Being Frank

September 17, 2012
Whether children understand the titular pun on the word “frank,” they’ll understand the difference between the kind of frankness Frank starts out with (“Your singing is kind of shrieky,” he tells a classmate) and the kind he ends up with (“You sure can hit those high notes,” he says to the same classmate after a heart-to-heart with his tactful Grandpa Ernest). Newcomer Earnhardt makes her point with solid pacing and lots of laughs: “She knew how fast she was going,” Frank tells a police officer who’s pulled over his mother. “I told her.” Grandpa Ernest’s demonstration of diplomacy is low-key. “Well,” he says when a neighbor asks him about her gaudy hat, “there are an awful lot of flowers up there. But my favorite is the purple one in the middle.” Italian illustrator Castellani’s digital artwork is crisp, colorful, and energetic, though somewhat generic. Since Earnhardt’s story stands sturdily on its own, though, it doesn’t detract from its impact. While Frank might not persuade sharp-tongued children to mend their ways, the story provides a useful array of good ways to deliver bad news. Ages 5–7.

September 15, 2012
Frank believes that honesty is the best policy, but is that always the case? Elementary schooler Frank never lies to his schoolmates. He tells Dotty her freckles look like the Big Dipper, and he tells Carol her singing is "kind of shrieky." Neither of them is pleased. Frank is also truthful with adults. He tells his teacher her breath smells; when sent to the principal, Frank tells him his toupee looks like a weasel. Even his mother doesn't seem to appreciate his candor. No one in Frank's life (including Frank) is happy, so he seeks help from his grandpa. Grandpa Ernest tells Mrs. Peacock he likes the purple flower in her hat best when she asks if he likes her gaudy chapeau. Frank thinks Grandpa has lied, but no: Grandpa only focused on the good things. Frank applies Grandpa's advice to good effect and serves up the honesty with "more sugar... / and less pepper." Earnhardt's debut is a humorous object lesson in honesty, though the central punniness will be lost on the audience without some explanation. Italian illustrator Castellani's blocky and bright Saturday-morning-cartoon-style illustrations amp the wackiness and make this frankly fun. On-the-mark help for the parents of inadvertently tactless tots. (Picture book. 4-8)

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December 1, 2012

K-Gr 1-Frank says what he thinks. No one, from a "shrieky" classmate to his toupee-wearing principal, really appreciates his opinions. Even his mother, who speeds and has wrinkles, isn't safe from her son's unvarnished comments. With everyone angry with him, the boy begins to question whether honesty is indeed the best policy. He gets some sage advice from Grandpa and learns to tell the truth without hurting people's feelings. The quirky cartoon-style illustrations boost the entertainment value of this picture book, whose message is delivered with humor. Great for reading aloud and for discussions on being diplomatic.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

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