Franklin in the Dark: questions to ask and activities to try
Franklin the turtle is afraid of the small, dark space inside his own shell. The first Franklin book, a Canadian classic about fear of the dark and finding your own way to feel brave.
What age is Franklin in the Dark for?
Franklin in the Dark is best for ages 3–6.
Franklin in the Dark (Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Fear of the dark, and learning that everyone is scared of something
Only 50pFranklin in the Dark activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Notice that every animal Franklin meets is scared of something. Talk about what Franklin finally does, and what could help your child at night.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 3–6 (nursery to Year 1)
- What they'll enjoy
- Franklin the turtle is afraid of the small, dark space inside his own shell. The first Franklin book, a Canadian classic about fear of the dark and finding your own way to feel brave.
- Helps with
- Fear of the dark, and learning that everyone is scared of something
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Fear of the dark
- Bedtime fears
- Knowing everyone feels scared sometimes
- Finding your own solution
Comprehension and discussion questions for Franklin in the Dark
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why didn’t Franklin want to go into his shell?”
- “What were his friends scared of?”
- “How did it help to know they were scared too?”
- “What did Franklin do to feel better?”
- “Is there anything you’re scared of at night?”
- “What could help you feel braver in the dark?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for Franklin in the Dark
All 6 questions for Franklin in the Dark on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Torch tour
Turn the lights off and explore a room with a torch. Find the things that look different in the dark.
Bravery kit
Make a bedtime bravery kit: a night-light, a favourite toy and a picture of someone who loves them.
Franklin in the Dark activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Worries bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:The Huge Bag of WorriesRuby’s WorryThe Invisible StringStick ManMonkey PuzzleThe GruffaloWe're Going on a Bear HuntGoodnight MoonAfter the FallSilly BillyOwl BabiesThe Kissing HandTadA Bit LostLullabyhullaballoo!£4.99 3 sheets for £1.25Franklin in the Dark + The Huge Bag of Worries + Ruby’s WorryThe 3 books:Franklin in the DarkThe Huge Bag of WorriesRuby’s Worry£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to Franklin in the Dark, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about fear of the dark.
A 20-minute session for ages 3–6 (nursery to Year 1), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Notice that every animal Franklin meets is scared of something. Talk about what Franklin finally does, and what could help your child at night.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “Why didn’t Franklin want to go into his shell?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Torch tour. Turn the lights off and explore a room with a torch. Find the things that look different in the dark. Children who finish early can try Bravery kit.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The Franklin in the Dark activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
Bedtime for Monsters (Ed Vere)
- Best for
- Bedtime fears, with a funny twist
- Age
- 3-6
A Dark, Dark Tale (Ruth Brown)
- Best for
- A spooky story with a gentle surprise
- Age
- 3-6
The Everywhere Bear (Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb)
- Best for
- Getting lost, and finding your way back home
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.