Franklin's Flying Bookshop



Written by Jen Campbell
Illustrated by Katie Harnett
Published October 17, 2017

Why we chose this book:
Dragons and books? What a tempting combination! I requested a copy for review from Thames and Hudson, and they provided one. 

Mom's Review

Anyone who has sought refuge in books will recognize what Franklin is doing. But luckily for the dragon, his source of solace also turns out to be his salvation.

When Franklin the dragon encounters people who fear him and flee, he returns to his cave to read. Hesitant after previous encounters with humans, but still hopeful for a friend, Franklin introduces himself to a girl he sees reading in the forest. Luna (the girl) is excited to meet him - she is reading a book about a dragon! Together, they create a bookshop from his collection in order to share their love of books with others and to connect Franklin with other people. Her simple decency toward Franklin leads not only to their friendship, but to an improved relationship with the entire town. When Franklin and Luna fly into town with books tied to his back, the townsfolk cower. Luna defends Franklin from their verbal assaults, and then invites them to see the books and get to know him. Once the inhabitants overcome their fear of the foreign, everyone prospers. A beautiful tale of friendship, perseverance, and kindness. If you love dragons or books, you'll likely love this as well.

Son's Review
(age 3)

Mom: Does Franklin like reading? What do you like reading?

Son: He does. I like reading about monsters and ghosts.

Mom: Is there a book you would want to read with Franklin?

Son: Yes. It is BigFoot.

Mom: What do you think he would want to read?

Son: I think he would want to read superhero ones.

Mom: Franklin seems kind of sad when everyone runs away. Why do you think they are running away?

Son: Maybe because he's a dragon and they don't like dragons.

Mom: What if you met Franklin?

Son: I would run run run run run run into his cave.

Mom: How did you feel when Franklin met Luna?

Son: I felt nervous.

Mom: What about at the end? How did you feel then?

Son: Good.

Mom: And did you like this book? What was your favorite part?

Son: Yes. My favorite part was when they're all friends.

Mom: How do your friends make you feel? How do you think his new friends made him feel?

Son: Happy. Happy, too.

Mom: When is it a good time to read Franklin's Flying Bookshop?

Son: When you're feeling brave.

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