Franklin Wants a Pet, Franklin's Blanket, and Franklin's School Play: Three Classic Franklin Stories (6 page)

Every December, Mr. Owl's students put on a show that they made up themselves. This year they would perform A Salute to the Nutcracker.

Franklin had seen the Nutcracker ballet with his parents, and he'd listened to the music at home. He loved the story about a little girl and the toy soldier who comes to life.

Franklin had a big part to learn. At home he said his lines over and over again.

“I hope I don't forget what to say,” he told his parents.

They encouraged him. “If you practise, you'll be fine.”

Franklin wasn't so sure.

The week before the show, there was a flurry of activity in the classroom.

Everyone had an important job to do.

Goose studied her lines. Beaver practised her ballet steps. The musicians learned their songs.

“Lovely! Lovely!” said Mr. Owl.

Raccoon was in charge of building the sets. His team had already cut, glued, painted and decorated most of the scenery. Now they were busy trimming the tree. Mr. Owl thought it was spectacular.

Bear was the costume designer. He and his friends created wonderful costumes with bits of this and that.

When Mr. Owl saw what they had made, he clapped and said, “Delightful!”

The cast practised speaking loudly and clearly. Badger was the stage manager so she prompted the players when they couldn't remember their lines.

“That's great,” said Mr. Owl. “But where is Franklin?”

Raccoon pointed to the art supply cupboard.

Franklin peeked out. “I need a quiet place to learn my lines,” he said. “I get to the middle and then I forget.”

“Let's work on them together,” suggested Mr. Owl.

By the end of the day, Franklin could say his lines without missing a word.

“Bravo!” said Mr. Owl.

It was the day before the show. The programs were printed and the seats were set up. For the first time, the students would practise on stage. Mr. Owl directed everyone to their places.

Rabbit thumped his feet in excitement.

 “Quiet please,” said Mr. Owl. “Curtain time.”

Franklin went over the lines in his head.