Franklin Says I Love You (2 page)

Franklin walked through the berry patch until he came to Snail’s house.

“Snail,” said Franklin, “how can I show my mother I love her without a fancy present?”

“I always bring my mother flowers,” said Snail.

But Franklin had given his mother a bouquet of dandelions just the day before.

Franklin walked across the meadow until he came to Beaver’s house.

“Beaver,” said Franklin, “how can I show my mother I love her without a fancy present?”

“I always draw my mother a picture with hearts and flowers and X’s and O’s.”

“X’s and O’s?” asked Franklin.

“Kisses and hugs,” explained Beaver.

But Franklin always hugged his mother when he came home from school, and he kissed her every night.

Franklin walked around the pond until he came to Goose’s house.

“Goose,” said Franklin, “how can I show my mother I love her without a fancy present?”

“I always make my mother some pretty jewelry,” said Goose.

But Franklin’s mother already had a macaroni necklace and a string of pearls.

Franklin was tired and hungry.

He walked all the way home.

His mother’s birthday was the next morning, and Franklin still didn’t have a present.

Franklin asked his father, “How can I show Mother that I love her without a fancy present?”

“You do nice things for her every day,” answered Franklin’s father. “Why do you ask?”

“Because tomorrow is her birthday,” said Franklin.

His father looked surprised.

“Why don’t you and your sister make her a card?” he suggested. “I’ll run to the store.”

Franklin helped Harriet make a card, but he did most of the work.

Sometimes he wished he was little like Harriet. She never worried about anything.

Early the next morning, Franklin had an idea. He would do
everything
his friends suggested.

He made his mother a pretty brooch.

He drew her a picture with double X’s and O’s.

He cut fresh flowers from her garden.

And he put her breakfast on a tray.

Franklin tried his very best.