Franklin in the Dark: 25th Anniversary Edition by Paulette Bourgeois-ESSENTIAL

Bourgeois, Paulette Franklin in the Dark: 25^th Anniversary Edition.  Illustrated by Brenda Clark. 48 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2011. $18.95. PICTURE BOOK.  The classic story of Franklin in the Dark has been printed yet again in this 25th Edition copy. A little turtle named Franklin is afraid of the dark.  This poses a problem since Franklin is supposed to sleep in his small, dark shell.  He is sure that creepy things, slippery things, and monsters live inside his small, dark shell. After searching high and low help from Duck, Lion, Bird, and Polar Bear, Franklin soon learns that he is not alone and that everyone has a fear of one sort or another.  In addition to the original story and illustrations, readers can also get behind-the-scenes information about this great story.  Author Paulette Bourgeois and illustrator Brenda Clark write letters in the opening of the book to describe their experiences and the beginnings of this story.  They have even included a photo copy of the first pages of the original manuscript and story board. At the end of the book additional Franklin books are introduced so readers who enjoyed this original can fill their bookshelves with more fun and adventure starring Franklin.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL.