Book Review: Franky

Authors: Meri Murphy and Tsalaph Murphy Keoner

Illustrators: Meri Murphy and Tsalaph Murphy Keoner

Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.

Released: June 27, 2018

Format: Paperback and Kindle

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 3 Lemon Drops

I received a free copy of the book.

A book that tells the story of one ladybug's journey across a farmyard.

Review:

Franky is the story of a one of a kind ladybug. The feature that makes him unique is the heart-shaped dot on his back. One morning, Franky, decides he wants to travel across the farmyard to the windmill on the other side. All alone, he sets off on an adventure. 

Along the way he flies away from other creatures that frighten him and takes a few naps to regain his strength. Determined to make it to the windmill, Franky keeps going and reaches his destination.

While I enjoyed the bright and colorful illustrations of the book, I found the story didn't quite hit its mark. As a former early childhood teacher, I read a book through the lens of an educator and search for the teachable moments authors/illustrators convey through the words and pictures on each page. 

There were several themes that could have been explored that would have made the story much more gratifying.

Franky is a determined little fellow who overcomes many struggles, but he falls asleep after each new encounter. Instead of speaking with the other creatures who startle him, he avoids them and flies off alone. 

It may have been fun to see him overcome his social awkwardness by making friends along the way who journeyed with him to the windmill.

I also expected his heart-shaped dot to have more significance in the story. When he is introduced on the first page, the heart is front and center and marks him as unique.