Bargain for Frances: (I Can Read Book Series: Level 2) » (Revised)

Russell Hoban is the author of A Bargain for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, and Bread and Jam for Frances, all illustrated by Lillian Hoban. He also wrote Bedtime for Frances, illustrated by Garth Williams. He lives in London, England.

Young readers familiar with the little badger can read this story without the help of an adult. Frances's friend Thelma tricks Frances into buying her plastic tea set, instead of the pretty china one that Frances has been saving for - and no backsies. Frances comes up with a clever scheme to hold her end of the bargain and still get the tea set she wants.

Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature

Frances is off to play with her friend Thelma, but before she leaves her mother warns her to remember that Thelma can be very tricky. Gullible Frances usually gets the short end of the stick. Thelma has a tea set and Frances remarks that she is saving up for a real china one with blue flowers. Thelma convinces her that they are not made any more and that plastic is just as good. Frances who really wants a tea set buys the one Thelma has. She then learns that she has been tricked when Thelma goes and buys the real china, one that Frances had wanted. For once Frances puts on her thinking cap and comes up with a plan to get the tea set she wants and to also maintain a good friendship with Thelma. There are multiple lessons in this story; and one that is really important is the true meaning of friendship—friends don't take advantage of each other. The story is still solid after nearly 35 years and kids will enjoy it and others in the "An I Can Read Book" series. This one is a Level 2 book for kids who are reading but may need some help. 2003 (orig. 1970), HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 8.