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Franklin Is Lost

Paulette Bourgeois; Brenda Clark; Sharon Jennings · 1991

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Franklin Is Lost by Paulette Bourgeois; Brenda Clark; Sharon Jennings. This book is recommended for ages 4+; content notes include Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Kindness & empathy, Good role models.

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? The story has mild, age-appropriate suspense about being separated and lost, resolved reassuringly. Its language, pacing, and emotional themes suit preschool and early elementary readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Franklin experiences brief, mild anxiety and fear when he realizes he is lost, which is appropriate for young readers.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Franklin shows resilience in coping with being lost.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The book encourages imagination through the scenario of children playing hide-and-seek.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The book helps teach young children about safety rules and the consequences of wandering off.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Franklin is helped, reassured, and cared for by family and others, making empathy and support important parts of the story.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The message emphasizes the importance of listening to parents and the value of safety.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Franklin learns a valuable lesson, and his parents are portrayed as protective and supportive.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Franklin Is Lost would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Franklin Is Lost, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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