Frankie Works the Night Shift
When the lights go out at the hardware store, Frankie the cat is hard at work. “He empties one wastebasket, he cleans two counters, he calls three meetings” and when he finds an intruder in the store, he knows exactly what to do! Digital illustrations and concise, bold text makes this thrilling adventure a great choice for young children’s participation and offers a unique change to traditional counting books.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Read the story to children and have them look closely at the illustrations in this book. Children may notice that some look like real photographs. Have children create their own illustrations like the ones in this book. Using markers, crayons, paper, photographs, and magazine clippings, allow children to make a picture and come up with a story. If a child has a pet, let them incorporate a photograph of the animal into a funny illustration.
Explain to families that the digital photography in this book offers many opportunities for children to interact with the illustrations. Read the story to children and have them count specific items mentioned on each page (e.g., one wastebasket, two counters). Some of the illustrations resemble “I Spy” books and can be used for additional activities that incorporate counting. For example, on the first double-spread, ask, “Can you find three lamp posts?” or “How many windows do you see on this building? Can you find a building with more windows?”