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Franklin Plays The Game (Franklin the Turtle)

Paulette Bourgeois; Brenda Clark; Sharon Jennings · 1995

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Franklin Plays The Game (Franklin the Turtle) by Paulette Bourgeois; Brenda Clark; Sharon Jennings. This book is recommended for ages 4+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Products & advertising; positive qualities include Good role models, Kindness & empathy.

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? Simple picture-book reading with mild emotional conflict and clear lessons about fairness, teamwork, and coping with disappointment. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The branded Franklin character is present, but the story does not appear to promote products or purchasing.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary content.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Courage to keep playing even when not the best.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes active outdoor play.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Diverse group of animal friends.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Teaches social skills regarding healthy competition.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Encourages support for friends in sports.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of sportsmanship, teamwork, and persistence.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Franklin learns to be a supportive teammate.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Franklin Plays The Game (Franklin the Turtle) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Franklin Plays The Game (Franklin the Turtle), and what caused that change?
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