A Bargain for Frances [Large Print]

Reviewed by Avery McGinn (age 7) for Reader Views (9/08) "A Bargain for Frances" by Russell Hoban is a story about one friend who tricks another friend over a tea set. I liked this book because Frances teaches Thelma that it's better to be nice to your friends instead of tricking them. The illustrations in the book are colorful and fuzzy. I can't tell what kind of animals they are supposed to be though, maybe badgers. But I like that you can see they have fur. My favorite part of the story is the end when Thelma learns her lesson. I don't like it when Thelma tricks Frances because it's not nice to do that to a friend. "A Bargain for Frances" by Russell Hoban comes with a CD. You can listen to the story with turn-the-page signals or without signals. I prefer using the signals even though I already know how to read.

I remember my mom reading this to my sister and I when we were young. It's so cute. I love the illustrations being in black and white, and the ambiguity of Frances' species. It's a great story about envy over another person's things and about cheating your friends. I've kept the image of the little tea set in my mind for almost 30 years. I'm so glad I found this book again and hope your kids find it as special as I do. The other Frances books are a treasure as well. -M. Farrell

I can't help but notice all the reviews that say Frances is for girls. Boys enjoy this smart and spunky little badger, too! Her quirks and problems, as well as her creative solutions and her wise parents, are universally delightful for all children.

THIS BOOK IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE! IT IS SO NICE TO SEE IT STILL IN PRINT. IF YOU HAVEN'T SHARED IT WITH YOUR DAUGHTER (S), GET A COPY AND DO SO. MY TIMELESS CLASSIC IS 34 YEARS OLD AND IT IS STILL AS HUMOROUS NOW AS IT WAS THEN. MY MOTHER AND SISTER AND I STILL FONDLY REFER TO ICE CREAM AS q-p-m.

This series is charming and sweet without being too saccharine, and this is my personal favorite of the bunch. As far as the infamous $3 tea set ... if you can suspend disbelief enough to believe in talking badgers, it's only a stone's throw from there.