Franklin's Valentines

Franklin's Valentine's by paulette, bourgeois, Brenda Clark. Franklin could count to ten and back again. He knew the days of the week, the months of the year, and the holidays in every season. Today was Valentine's Day, and Franklin was counting the valentines he'd made for his friends. He wanted to be sure he hadn't forgotten any one. Hurry up Franklin, said his mother, you'll miss the school bus. Franklin rushed to find his hat and mittens and boots. He tossed his valentines into his bag. I'm going, called Franklin, and he hurried out the door. At school, mister Al gave the class of Valentine's belling bee, and Valentine arithmetic problems. But every one was too excited about the Valentine's Day party to think about work. Franklin whispered to bear, I can't believe we have to wait until after lunch to give out our cards. I can't believe we have to wait until after lunch for the goodies bare whispered back. At last it was time for the party. You may get your Valentine's now, said mister owl. Franklin grabbed his bag and reached inside. He pulled out his hat, and he pulled out his mittens. He pulled out a ball, and he scrunched up piece of homework. Then he held his bag upside down and shook it. What's wrong? Asked bear. My Valentine's. Their gone cried Franklin. After Franklin looked everywhere, mister owl let him phone home. Franklin waited and waited while his mother searched. I'm so sorry, Franklin. She finally said, I found your Valentine's outside and a puddle of slush. The cards are ruined. Franklin blinked away tears. He gave the phone to mister owl, and ran out of the room. Mister Al found Franklin in the cloak room, there you are, Franklin, he said, your friends are waiting. We can't start the party without you. I don't be long at the party, reply, Franklin. I don't have any valentines to give. I know, said mister Al, your mother told me what happened, and I told the class. Franklin moaned. I guess no one's going to give me a Valentine now. Said mister owl, if bear lost his valentines, would you decide not to give him a card? I'd never do that, exclaimed Franklin. There is my friend. Maybe bear feels the same way about you replied mister Al. Franklin thought about that. Maybe he said, he cheered up a little. Franklin and mister I went back to the classroom. Franklin watched, as his friends delivered their cards. As the pal of Valentine's in front of him grew bigger and bigger, Franklin felt sadder and sadder. There were so many, and he had none to give in return. He sighed, as he opened their car. What's wrong, Franklin? Asked bear. Don't you like my card? I do, but I feel bad because I don't have one for you. Said Franklin. Oh, that's all right, said bear. I don't need a Valentine to know you're my friend. Franklin smile. Every one gathered around as Franklin opened his other cards. My the turtle cutout said snail. Mine's a turtle poem, said goose, and I made up a turtle riddle, said Fox. These are great exclaimed Franklin. I just wish I had my valentines for all of you. I just wish we could start eating all these goodies replied bear, everyone laughed. That night, Franklin told his parents about the party. It sounds as if you have some very good friends, said Franklin's father. I sure do, agree Franklin. Next year, I'm going to make them extra special valentines. Well, you've got a whole year to get ready, replied his mother. I don't know if I can wait a whole year, said Franklin. The next morning, Franklin's mother found him at his table. Writing and drawing and cutting and folding. What do you making? She asked, it's a surprise, Franklin answered. His mother smile. Will hurry up, you will miss the bus. But Franklin didn't Harry, he wrapped his artwork carefully, and placed the package in his bag. He made sure that all the buckles were done up tight. Then he hugged the bag to his chest, and went out the door. As soon as Franklin got to school, he opened his package, and gave everyone a card. What are you doing, Franklin? Valentine's Day was yesterday. Oh, these cars aren't for Valentine's Day, replied Franklin. Therefore, friendship day, and friendship day can be any day you want it to be.