What do you think?
Rate this book
Franklin the Turtle
Франклин поздравява приятелите
The Valentine's Day Party has begun at last, but Franklin lost his cards on the way to school. As his pile of valentines begins to grow. Franklin feels bad that he has none to give in return. But in the true spirit of the day, everyone assures Franklin they don't need a valentine to know they're his friends.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
17 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Paulette Bourgeois
374 books123 followersBorn in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bourgeois graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 1974. She was a psychiatric occupational therapist for three years before deciding to focus on her writing. She studied journalism at Carlton University then worked as a reporter for the Ottawa Citizen and CBC Television. She became a freelance journalist in Washington, D.C. contributing pieces to Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Reader's Digest and Maclean's. She returned to Toronto in 1983.
In 2003, she became a Member of the Order of Canada and in 2007, she received an Honourary Doctor of Laws from her alma mater, the University of Western Ontario.
In 2003, she became a Member of the Order of Canada and in 2007, she received an Honourary Doctor of Laws from her alma mater, the University of Western Ontario.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 10, 2018
My nephew loves the Franklin books. This is a cute story about losing Valentines and how to recover from that. Also the goodness of others.
I love that it looks like Franklin paints his nails red. Bright artwork. I like all the animal critters in the class. This mostly takes place at school. This has a very positive message about not letting mistakes ruin your whole day and the kindness of people.
I love that it looks like Franklin paints his nails red. Bright artwork. I like all the animal critters in the class. This mostly takes place at school. This has a very positive message about not letting mistakes ruin your whole day and the kindness of people.
February 18, 2012
Lauren's Review:
I read Franklin's Valentines by Paulette Bourgeois on February 13, 2012.
Publisher Name: Open Road Media; Imprint: Kids Can Press
From Goodreads:
The Valentine's Day Party has begun at last, but Franklin lost his cards on the way to school. As his pile of valentines begins to grow. Franklin feels bad that he has none to give in return. But in the true spirit of the day, everyone assures Franklin they don't need a valentine to know they're his friends.
1. What was your favorite part of the book?
When Franklin was making his Valentine's Day cards in the beginning of the book.
2. Was this book funny, sad, silly, or boring?
This book was kind of sad in the middle, but was very happy at the end. Franklin knew he had very good friends and that he was a good friend to them.
3. Who was your favorite character?
Franklin.
4. Would you tell your friends to read this book?
Yes, 'cause it's at my school.
Mom's Review:
Franklin's Valentines teaches a great lesson: Friendships exist and thrive because of our love for one another - not because of the gifts we give. As a parent of a young child, this message is important and this book beautifully illustrates how friendship transcends the desire for things. Our friends love us because of the happy way we make them feel when we're together!
I appreciate Franklin's concern that his friends might be hurt that he didn't give them their valentine cards, and impressed greater still by his initiative to create cards for "Friendship Day" which he declares can be any day they like. What a great role model for taking a sad and disappointing situation and turning it around into an opportunity to display gratitude and take on an alternative perspective when things didn't quite go his way.
I read Franklin's Valentines by Paulette Bourgeois on February 13, 2012.
Publisher Name: Open Road Media; Imprint: Kids Can Press
From Goodreads:
The Valentine's Day Party has begun at last, but Franklin lost his cards on the way to school. As his pile of valentines begins to grow. Franklin feels bad that he has none to give in return. But in the true spirit of the day, everyone assures Franklin they don't need a valentine to know they're his friends.
1. What was your favorite part of the book?
When Franklin was making his Valentine's Day cards in the beginning of the book.
2. Was this book funny, sad, silly, or boring?
This book was kind of sad in the middle, but was very happy at the end. Franklin knew he had very good friends and that he was a good friend to them.
3. Who was your favorite character?
Franklin.
4. Would you tell your friends to read this book?
Yes, 'cause it's at my school.
Mom's Review:
Franklin's Valentines teaches a great lesson: Friendships exist and thrive because of our love for one another - not because of the gifts we give. As a parent of a young child, this message is important and this book beautifully illustrates how friendship transcends the desire for things. Our friends love us because of the happy way we make them feel when we're together!
I appreciate Franklin's concern that his friends might be hurt that he didn't give them their valentine cards, and impressed greater still by his initiative to create cards for "Friendship Day" which he declares can be any day they like. What a great role model for taking a sad and disappointing situation and turning it around into an opportunity to display gratitude and take on an alternative perspective when things didn't quite go his way.
December 2, 2012
This book teaches about the value of friendship. It is a Valentine's day book so you could use it around this time. In this story Franklin loses all his valentine's he made for his friends and he is nervous he won't get any because he doesn't have anything to give back. His teacher tells him that if the situation were flipped would he not give his valentine's out to someone who lost there's? Franklin was still sad but realized his friends didn't care about that. When Franklin got home he made them all special cards. The next day at school he passed them out and thanked his friends for always being there for him. In the classroom you can reiterate the value of friendship and how sometimes we need to support each other and be there for one another.
December 31, 2025
my nostalgic series🥹🩷
February 19, 2012
Franklin’s Valentines by Paulette Bourgeois
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Franklin is so excited because it’s Valentine’s Day and he will get to give his friends the special valentine’s he made them. The students have trouble concentrating all through school because they are ready for their party. When it’s Franklin’s turn, he is upset to learn that the special valentine’s he made are missing and were found in the mud. He realizes that his friends are the best friends ever when they don’t mind the missing valentines.
This was a great Valentine’s story to share with Lilly. It has a great message that shows that what you do everyday for your friends are what are important, not cards and gifts. It also shows kids that accidents happen and how you respond is what is important. Friendship is the best gift of all.
The story was beautifully illustrated with bright colorful pages. It had a good mix of story and pictures to keep a child’s attention. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 will enjoy reading this story over and over.
Lilly and I enjoyed Franklin’s Valentines and give it 4 Stars.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Franklin is so excited because it’s Valentine’s Day and he will get to give his friends the special valentine’s he made them. The students have trouble concentrating all through school because they are ready for their party. When it’s Franklin’s turn, he is upset to learn that the special valentine’s he made are missing and were found in the mud. He realizes that his friends are the best friends ever when they don’t mind the missing valentines.
This was a great Valentine’s story to share with Lilly. It has a great message that shows that what you do everyday for your friends are what are important, not cards and gifts. It also shows kids that accidents happen and how you respond is what is important. Friendship is the best gift of all.
The story was beautifully illustrated with bright colorful pages. It had a good mix of story and pictures to keep a child’s attention. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 will enjoy reading this story over and over.
Lilly and I enjoyed Franklin’s Valentines and give it 4 Stars.
November 21, 2017
Franklin's Valentines is about a turtle named Franklin who is celebrating Valentine's Day with his class. He spends time working on his valentines at home, but loses them all as he rushes out the door to go to class. During the party he has no valentines to give out, but receives many. He feels bad because he has none to give to his friends so he goes home that evening to make new ones and is able to hand them out the next day at school.
The major theme of this book is that your true friends will always be there for you regardless of the situation.
Personally I loved this book growing up. I thought this book was a great way to teach me about what true friendship looks like. Although Franklin could not give out his valentines on Valentine's Day his friends did not mind and still were willing to share their valentines with him.
I recommend this book to younger kids ranging from the ages of 4 to 6. I think this book is a great way to represent what true friendship looks like. Kids are starting to make friends at this age and should understand how to treat others.
The major theme of this book is that your true friends will always be there for you regardless of the situation.
Personally I loved this book growing up. I thought this book was a great way to teach me about what true friendship looks like. Although Franklin could not give out his valentines on Valentine's Day his friends did not mind and still were willing to share their valentines with him.
I recommend this book to younger kids ranging from the ages of 4 to 6. I think this book is a great way to represent what true friendship looks like. Kids are starting to make friends at this age and should understand how to treat others.
March 11, 2012
As always, my children and I love Franklin. In Franklin's Valentines, Franklin had worked hard to make special valentine's for each of his friends. In his rush to school, he dropped them and they were ruined. He was heartbroken and thought his friends wouldn't give him any valentines since he couldn't give them any. He learns from Mr. Owl a lesson in friendship and love. This is a wonderful story for young readers and parents to enjoy together. It teaches how to handle disappointment, how to be a good friend and how to accept gifts even when you have nothing to give in return. Another wonderful book by author Paulette Bourgeois.
March 6, 2013
It's Valentines Day, and Franklin is so excited to give all his classmates their valentine cards! But on his way to school, he drops them and they get ruined. Franklin, being the caring turtle that he is, feels really bad when all his friends have cards for him and he dropped theirs. So that night, he decides to make "Friendship cards" for his classmates instead.
This is a great lesson on friendship. Franklin shows initiative and kindness when he goes out of his way to make new cards for his friends. I would use this as a lesson to students to show them the importance of caring for others.
This is a great lesson on friendship. Franklin shows initiative and kindness when he goes out of his way to make new cards for his friends. I would use this as a lesson to students to show them the importance of caring for others.
October 3, 2017
I love the Franklin books! My son and I read this and he really enjoyed it. Franklin works so hard on Valentine cards for his friends, but when he walks out the door he looses them unknowingly. When he gets to school and it is time to pass out their Valentines, Franklin realizes he does not have his anymore. Sad and disappointed, he accepts kindness from his friends who still gives him cards regardless that he has nothing in return. After school, Franklin thinks of a way to pay his friends back for their generosity. You will have to read the book to find out the rest!
February 21, 2016
This is one of the better "Franklin" books. He isn't whinny or throws a tantrum in this story which is nice.
He makes Valentines for his friends and is excited for the next day at school for the party to be able to exchange Valentines. But he realizes his Valentines fell out of his bag and got ruined in a mud puddle. He gets very sad but Mr Owl helps him realize that his friends are his friends regardless if he has Valentines to give to him or not.
He makes Valentines for his friends and is excited for the next day at school for the party to be able to exchange Valentines. But he realizes his Valentines fell out of his bag and got ruined in a mud puddle. He gets very sad but Mr Owl helps him realize that his friends are his friends regardless if he has Valentines to give to him or not.
February 28, 2010
I confess that I really don't love all the Franklin books that we've read - but this one was very cute and worth adding to your Valentine's reading list. Franklin makes Valentine's day cards for all of his friends, but then drops them in a puddle on his way to the school and learns a sweet lesson about expressions of love and friendship - it's actually a cute story for all-year round!
January 21, 2012
This book could be used the day before Valentine's as a reminder of the holiday. If students forget their Valentine's or ruin them on the way to school they are taught not to fret. Showing classmates that you treasure their friendship doesn't have to be on Valentine's Day, it can be any day.
Read
February 9, 2014Cherish your friends on Valentine's day and always. Franklin is upset that his Valentine's get ruined but makes up for this event the next day. Bear may care about the treats but he also respects friendship.
January 14, 2009
Love Franklin...thanks MUM!
Canadian author...what more could you ask?
Subtle model parenting integrated into books.
Hey wait, is that why you gave us the books, MUM?
:-)
LOVE EM!
Canadian author...what more could you ask?
Subtle model parenting integrated into books.
Hey wait, is that why you gave us the books, MUM?
:-)
LOVE EM!
June 15, 2019
Summary:
Franklin's valentines he made for his friends get ruined. Will his friends still be his friend?
Franklin's valentines he made for his friends get ruined. Will his friends still be his friend?
July 21, 2014
We love the "Franklin" series. Something always seems to go wrong for Franklin but he always finds a way to turn his situation around and make it better.
April 5, 2012
One of my daughters favorite nook books!
Read
April 22, 2013Valentine sticker
February 12, 2015
Cute story, Franklin loses all of his valentines and has none to give out.
February 12, 2015
My ID kids loved this book. It led to great discussion about friends like us because of who we are not what we give. It was a charming book, with detailed illustrations.
January 6, 2016
Never forget to show your friends how much they mean to you :)
Read
February 9, 2016Could lead to a discussion about friends liking us because of who we are not what we give. Sweet book.
March 26, 2017
A hit with my young class and prompted discussion about being nice to everyone.
February 15, 2019
I saved this to read for last, because I thought it would be the best.
I love all the little details on the pages, like when Franklin is going to school, there’s a little mouse carrying a box of chocolates and flowers and wearing snowshoes.
I also loved all the Valentines decorations in the classroom, and all the little turtle cards Franklin received were adorable. And the blue flannel hat he wears.
It was so cute, when Mr. Owl goes to look for Franklin and he’s sitting in one of the cubby’s.
Franklin ran out of the house that morning in a hurry and his cards landed on the ground. Franklin worries no one will want to give him any Valentine's because he didn’t have any to give out. With some persuasion from Mr. Owl, he goes back to the party and receives a bunch of Valentines.
Franklin says he doesn't belong at the party, and Mr. Owl asks "If Bear lost his valentines, would you decide not to give him a card?" and Franklin says "I'd never do that! Bear is my friend." Mr. Owl tells him "Maybe Bear feels the same way about you."
As his pile of cards gets bigger, Franklin feels sadder. Bear asks if he likes his card, and Franklin tells his he feels bad he doesn't have one for him. Bear says "I don't need a valentine to know you're my friend" which is a sweet line.
He feels bad he didn’t give any of them cards, so he goes home and makes some, not wanting to wait for next year. This time he's real careful carrying them to school.
He passes them out the next day and says it’s "for Friendship Day. And Friendship Day can be any day you want it to be." I thought that was sweet, and a good message for kids to appreciate their friends any day of the year.
Good, cute book on Valentines and also friendship. The illustrations are cute, too.
Although I was a little disappointed he dropped the cards, and it ruined the party for him. I wish he could have just had the cards and enjoyed the party without the mishap, and for it to be just about Valentines day, but then there wouldn't have been a lesson, which was the point to the story.
I love all the little details on the pages, like when Franklin is going to school, there’s a little mouse carrying a box of chocolates and flowers and wearing snowshoes.
I also loved all the Valentines decorations in the classroom, and all the little turtle cards Franklin received were adorable. And the blue flannel hat he wears.
It was so cute, when Mr. Owl goes to look for Franklin and he’s sitting in one of the cubby’s.
Franklin ran out of the house that morning in a hurry and his cards landed on the ground. Franklin worries no one will want to give him any Valentine's because he didn’t have any to give out. With some persuasion from Mr. Owl, he goes back to the party and receives a bunch of Valentines.
Franklin says he doesn't belong at the party, and Mr. Owl asks "If Bear lost his valentines, would you decide not to give him a card?" and Franklin says "I'd never do that! Bear is my friend." Mr. Owl tells him "Maybe Bear feels the same way about you."
As his pile of cards gets bigger, Franklin feels sadder. Bear asks if he likes his card, and Franklin tells his he feels bad he doesn't have one for him. Bear says "I don't need a valentine to know you're my friend" which is a sweet line.
He feels bad he didn’t give any of them cards, so he goes home and makes some, not wanting to wait for next year. This time he's real careful carrying them to school.
He passes them out the next day and says it’s "for Friendship Day. And Friendship Day can be any day you want it to be." I thought that was sweet, and a good message for kids to appreciate their friends any day of the year.
Good, cute book on Valentines and also friendship. The illustrations are cute, too.
Although I was a little disappointed he dropped the cards, and it ruined the party for him. I wish he could have just had the cards and enjoyed the party without the mishap, and for it to be just about Valentines day, but then there wouldn't have been a lesson, which was the point to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2019
This had a nice lesson which is rare for Valentine's Day books. Usually they're shallow and just about giving cards and nothing else, but this had something to learn.
I was so upset that Franklin dropped all of his cards on the way out and didn't have any to give to his friends. He called home from school and his mom found them ruined in a puddle outside. Poor Franklin was so upset that he fled the room, crying. He did in the coat room until Mr. Owl came. Franklin was worried no one would want to give him any cards because he didn't have any to give to them. Mr. Owl asked if his friend Bear lost his valentines, would Franklin not give him one and Franklin realized he would never do that. He told Franklin that Bear might feel the same about it. Franklin felt better and rejoined the class.
All his friends did give him cards but Franklin still felt so bad about not having any for them. Bear told him he didn't need a card to know they were friends.
They all made a turtle-themed card for Franklin and they were really cute. As was little snail who had a pink pipe cleaner wrapped around her head, and then sticking straight up with a heart on top.
Franklin told his parents about it and his dad said he had some good friends. Franklin planned on going all out for next Valentine's Day, but didn't know if he could wait. So the next morning he sat down and made them all handmade cards. His friends didn't know why he was giving them out since Valentine's Day was yesterday, but he said they're not for Valentine's Day. They're for Friendship Day and that can be any day. So there was a nice theme of friendship and being grateful for your friends every day, not just Valentine's Day.
The illustrations are really nice. I liked Franklin so much as a kid and this was still a sweet, informative story with a good lesson to teach kids. The pictures are colorful and Franklin is so cute.
I was so upset that Franklin dropped all of his cards on the way out and didn't have any to give to his friends. He called home from school and his mom found them ruined in a puddle outside. Poor Franklin was so upset that he fled the room, crying. He did in the coat room until Mr. Owl came. Franklin was worried no one would want to give him any cards because he didn't have any to give to them. Mr. Owl asked if his friend Bear lost his valentines, would Franklin not give him one and Franklin realized he would never do that. He told Franklin that Bear might feel the same about it. Franklin felt better and rejoined the class.
All his friends did give him cards but Franklin still felt so bad about not having any for them. Bear told him he didn't need a card to know they were friends.
They all made a turtle-themed card for Franklin and they were really cute. As was little snail who had a pink pipe cleaner wrapped around her head, and then sticking straight up with a heart on top.
Franklin told his parents about it and his dad said he had some good friends. Franklin planned on going all out for next Valentine's Day, but didn't know if he could wait. So the next morning he sat down and made them all handmade cards. His friends didn't know why he was giving them out since Valentine's Day was yesterday, but he said they're not for Valentine's Day. They're for Friendship Day and that can be any day. So there was a nice theme of friendship and being grateful for your friends every day, not just Valentine's Day.
The illustrations are really nice. I liked Franklin so much as a kid and this was still a sweet, informative story with a good lesson to teach kids. The pictures are colorful and Franklin is so cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
As a parent that gets overwhelmed with holidays I really appreciated this book. My daughter handed it to me to read the day after Valentine’s; in the moment I was feeling like I didn’t do enough to show her I love her (which after much overthinking I snapped out of) and was like ‘what ? that’s one holiday why do I feel I have to make hearts and get chocolates and cards and do the most to celebrate love?’ Then my daughter hands me this and it almost made me cry because love and friendship can be celebrated any day and that’s what makes it special and this book serves as a reminder of that. Especially so with kids that are being used to getting so much now. I loved it.
May 21, 2021
Franklin discovers that the Valentine’s cards he made for his friends have been ruined. He worries that they will not want him to celebrate with them if he can’t give out cards. But Franklin teacher helps him understand that his friends will want to celebrate their friendship no matter what. Good discussion and lesson for young children. I loved how detailed the illustrations were.
December 26, 2021
Listen, I'm like two months early to be reading this book, but I want to forget that Christmas is a thing and also I totally forgot that one of my favorite TV shows as a kid had a book series attached to it, so this is what I'm doing tonight.
God, the nostalgia. When you're ready for Valentine's Day, this is a good one.
God, the nostalgia. When you're ready for Valentine's Day, this is a good one.
October 19, 2024
Franklin is excited to hand out his valentines to his classmates, but realizes they are missing and ruined he feels terrible because all of his friends give him such nice valentines and he has none to give in return. Franklin extends gratitude the following day sharing his heart in gifts to his friends.
February 15, 2025
A cutesy story about friendship. Franklin preparing valentines for his friends, which end up being ruined. Feeling down, Franklin realizes he has wonderful friends. Goes homes and creates special gifts for all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews