This is a cute book about Frances being excluded so becoming best friends with her sister. They decide to go on an outing and end up allowing all friends to play together and not exclude anyone.

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/les...

This book is about Frances and how she doesn't want to play with her younger sister Gloria. Frances wants to play with her friend Albert but when he tells her that she can not play with him because she is not a boy, Frances' feels are hurt. She goes home and decides to become best friends with Gloria. Frances and Gloria go on a picnic that is no boys allowed. When they pass Albert's house he thinks their picnic will be fun and asks if he can join but Frances says no boys allowed. Gloria invites Albert to come along and they all three decide to be best friends together! This book is good to discuss sharing and that it is important to be friends with everyone.

This is not my favorite Frances book; I think it's too text heavy for one thing. Also everyone sort of behaves badly in this story except Gloria so it's hard to sympathize. Frances won't play with Gloria because she considers her too babyish; she wants to play with her friend Albert, but he wants to go off on an outing by himself because he considers her too girly. Later on, she tries to play ball with him, but he and his friend Harold won't let any girls play. Frances decides to get revenge by having a SUPERFUN outing with Gloria and not letting any boys come along. Yadda yadda yadda, it all ends happily with all four badgers playing baseball together.

It does show quite well the self-centeredness inherent in children's friendships! But, like I said, not a very sympathetic story. ( )

A very cute book about the value of family, and the way friends can come in different shapes, sizes and ages. Features badgers as the main characters, primarily Frances, whose best friend Albert deserts for a wander, leaving only her "too small" little sister for a friend. Through out book, short rhymes illustrate the young badger's feelings.

A nice story as always. Naughty Francis learns a lesson about friends. ( )