This is Franklin. He lives in a town called Woodland with his Mom and Dad, and his little sister Harriet. He has his own room, (which is usually pretty messy), and a big backyard to play in. His favourite toy is a stuffed dog named Sam, but he has a real live pet too - a goldfish named Goldie. His very favourite food is fly pie. Dee-licious!
Since he’s a turtle, Franklin can hide inside his shell when he wants to be alone - but that isn’t very often. He’d rather help his Mom and Dad around the house, or play in the sandbox with Harriet. (He’s a great big brother!) Franklin also has lots of friends his own age, like Rabbit, Beaver, Snail, Goose, and Fox. He goes to school with them, and on weekends they play together at the playground, the soccer field, and the tree house. His very best friend is named Bear.
Franklin and his friends like to do fun things like play marbles, ride bikes, and swimming at the pond. Sometimes, Franklin has a problem to solve, and that can be tough. But he’s a pretty smart turtle, and he usually figures out the right thing to do. With a little help from his friends, and a family that loves him, Franklin can do just about anything!
When Franklin grows up, he wants to be just like his Mom and Dad. They know all kinds of stuff! Mom knows how to pitch a tent in the backyard, and Dad is great at reading bedtime stories, with funny voices for all the characters. When Franklin has a problem, he likes to ask his parents what they think he should do, because they usually have pretty good ideas. Sometimes, Franklin gets frustrated because they have to finish their work before they can play with him. But he knows that his Mom and Dad love him very much, and will always be there when he needs them.
Harriet is Franklin’s little sister. Harriet really looks up to Franklin, and her favourite place to be... is wherever Franklin is. She’s funny and brave, and curious about everything. Sometimes, she drives her big brother crazy by following him around, asking ‘why?’ and ‘what’s that?’ Harriet likes to do things for herself - even if it takes her forever just to tie her shoelaces! Harriet isn’t old enough to go to Franklin’s school yet, so most of the time, she ‘helps’ Mr. and Mrs. Turtle around the house, and plays with her best friend Beatrice.
Bear is Franklin’s best friend in the whole world. He likes to do all the same things Franklin does - like play soccer, ride their bikes, or play Hide and Seek.. All that exercise makes Bear’s stomach growl, so he needs lots of snack breaks. But Franklin doesn’t mind - Bear always shares his snacks! Franklin knows he can count on Bear to keep secrets, and always tell the truth. Bear is also very loyal - you better not say anything bad about someone while Bear’s around... he always sticks up for his friends! Bear has a little sister, just like Franklin. Her name is Beatrice.
Snail is Franklin’s smallest friend. But even though he’s tiny and can’t go very fast, Snail still wants to do everything his friends are doing. And as long as one of them gives him a ‘lift’, Snail never gets left behind. He even rides on Franklin’s shoulder when they play soccer! Sometimes, Snail feels like he has to shout to get anyone’s attention - but he’s the first one to notice when Franklin is feeling sad. He’s also very good at giving him advice...even if Franklin doesn’t always take it.
Goose is easy to be friends with, because she’s always happy to do what everyone else wants to do. She likes things to be simple, and doesn’t like it when her plans are changed. It makes her so confused! Sometimes Goose is funny when she’s not trying to be funny, but her friends try not to laugh at her. They would never want to hurt Goose’s feelings.
When Franklin and his friends play ‘Follow the Leader’, Beaver always wants to be the leader. She just loves to be in charge, and she’s really good at organizing games. Sometimes Beaver gets a little bit bossy, but at least everyone plays by the rules when she’s around! Beaver gets great marks in school, and does well at sports too. She wants to the best at everything - so when she doesn’t win first place or get the highest mark, she feels blue, and her friends have to remind her that nobody is perfect.
Fox is tall and strong, and very good at sports. He tells great jokes, and loves to be the centre of attention. Sometimes, he even plays pranks or gets into a little mischief - just to see what he can get away with! But he would never make someone feel bad on purpose.
Franklin’s Mom says Rabbit is ‘full of beans.’ (That means he has lots of energy!) Rabbit likes to ride his skateboard and his bike, and he’s the fastest runner of all the Woodland kids. He’s a great kid to have on your team for sports. But when it’s time to slow down and concentrate on a school project, it takes a while for Rabbit to settle down and stop wiggling.
Skunk mainly plays with the other girls, so she doesn’t hang around with Franklin too much. But since he’s never made a ‘stinky skunk’ joke about her, she thinks he’s very nice.
Franklin feels lucky to have Mr. Owl for a teacher. He’s patient and kind, and he makes all of his students feel important. Mr. Owl loves being a teacher, and looks forward to seeing his students every day. He tries to make learning fun, by taking his class on field trips, and encouraging them to be creative. Mr. Owl thinks the most important lesson you learn in school is how to get along with other people. Sometimes, Mr. Owl is a little bit forgetful - like when he can’t find his glasses, but they’re right on top of his head!
Coach Porcupine is the coach of Franklin’s soccer team. She loves the game just as much as the kids do, and has lots of team spirit! Coach always says, “It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose...as long as you try your best and have fun.”
Friendly old Mr. Mole lives next door to the Turtles. He has the best garden in Woodland, and every year, he wins the prize for biggest pumpkin at the Fair. Franklin likes to go over to visit Mr. Mole, because he knows all about flowers, bugs and caterpillars. When he’s not digging in the garden, Mr. Mole runs the General Store, where Franklin and his friends go to buy candy and school supplies.
To Franklin, Sam is much more than just a stuffed toy - he’s a very special pretend friend. He doesn’t say too much, but he’s a very good listener, and he always keeps Franklin’s secrets. He likes to cuddle and play, and be taken for walks, and he comes along with Franklin wherever he goes. Except when Franklin goes swimming - Sam doesn’t like getting soggy!
Franklin’s Granny loves to spend time with Franklin and is little sister Harriet. She makes great cookies, and her attic is full of neat things to play with. Franklin likes Granny’s stories about the olden days, when she was just a little turtle like him.