Franklin in the dark

Paulette Bourgeois

Cover of Franklin in the dark

Franklin in the dark

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Paulette Bourgeois

Illustrated by Clark, Brenda, illustrator

Reading Level 2 7C Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

The soft rustle of leaves whispers in the quiet night as Franklin the turtle feels the cool darkness all around him. He’s scared to hide in his own shell, the place that should feel safe. But when he talks to other animals, he learns that everyone has a fear, and maybe that’s okay.

Themes

AnimalsFearFriendshipEmotional GrowthPicture Books

Quick Assessment

Franklin in the Dark is a gentle picture book about a young turtle who is afraid of the dark and hesitant to retreat into his shell. Through conversations with other animals, children learn that fear is a common experience and that it’s okay to have worries. Suitable for early readers ages 5 to 8, this story supports emotional understanding and empathy without any distressing content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

7C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Content Flags

Fear & Anxiety
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

32 pages
ISBN
9780439040631
Pages
32
Publisher
Scholastic Inc.
Published
1998
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

AnimalsTurtlesFearFranklinToy and Movable BooksNovela JuvenilFear of the DarkAnimalesSpanish Language MaterialsLiterature and FictionBenjaminPeurOuvrages IllustrésNuitTortuesAnimauxPolish Language Materials