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Frances the Badger
A Birthday for Frances
As her little sister Gloria's birthday approaches, Frances wavers between being generous'and being jealous. ‘[Frances] is every youngster who chafes at being the un-birthday child.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1968
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525 people want to read
About the author
Russell Hoban
182 books409 followersRussell Conwell Hoban was an American expatriate writer. His works span many genres, including fantasy, science fiction, mainstream fiction, magical realism, poetry, and children's books. He lived in London, England, from 1969 until his death. (Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
November 24, 2012
I love Frances. I love when kids come to my house and clamor for more Frances books. I love still having a few in reserve. I love reading them to people. I love reading them to myself. I am barmy for Frances.
But this Frances book has the best line in maybe the whole series, and one I quote on approximately 364 days each year: "That is how it is, Alice," said Frances. "Your birthday is always the one that is not now."
And usually when I quote it, I give your Chompo bar a little exploratory squeeze and wonder if maybe you aren't too little for a WHOLE Chompo bar of your own.
But this Frances book has the best line in maybe the whole series, and one I quote on approximately 364 days each year: "That is how it is, Alice," said Frances. "Your birthday is always the one that is not now."
And usually when I quote it, I give your Chompo bar a little exploratory squeeze and wonder if maybe you aren't too little for a WHOLE Chompo bar of your own.
April 25, 2007
Squeeze the chompo bar.
September 11, 2013
I read the Frances books as a kid and was delighted to find I loved them just as much when I read them to my children. The author clearly has experience with children and portrays Frances so realistically. Take this exchange, after Frances asks her mother what their parents are giving her younger sister for her birthday:
"'I am not going to give Gloria any present,' said Frances.
'That is all right,' said Mother, and Frances began to cry.
'What is the matter?' said Mother. 'Why are you crying?'
'Everybody is giving Gloria a present but me,' said Frances."
I mean, certainly *my* children have *never* flip-flopped like that and thrown a weepy fit over something they had just refused...but I can see how some kids might... My December-birthday 4 yo has been struggling with the birthdays of all of his summer friends and he related well to Frances' complaint that "Your birthday is always the one that is not now."
We also like Bread and Jam for Frances, where Frances only wants to eat bread and jam, until she gets very sick of bread and jam, and A Baby Sister for Frances, where Frances runs away under the kitchen table. We'll have to check out the rest of the series.
"'I am not going to give Gloria any present,' said Frances.
'That is all right,' said Mother, and Frances began to cry.
'What is the matter?' said Mother. 'Why are you crying?'
'Everybody is giving Gloria a present but me,' said Frances."
I mean, certainly *my* children have *never* flip-flopped like that and thrown a weepy fit over something they had just refused...but I can see how some kids might... My December-birthday 4 yo has been struggling with the birthdays of all of his summer friends and he related well to Frances' complaint that "Your birthday is always the one that is not now."
We also like Bread and Jam for Frances, where Frances only wants to eat bread and jam, until she gets very sick of bread and jam, and A Baby Sister for Frances, where Frances runs away under the kitchen table. We'll have to check out the rest of the series.
November 6, 2019
We never get tired of Frances books.
May 11, 2023
Hilarious and heartfelt. The boys love these.
May 29, 2013
1.5 stars
While I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book, the story wasn't the greatest and I don't particularly want my young nieces to read this one. Much of this reason relates to the primary character: Frances the Badger. There were a number of things I didn't care for in this story:
I did not like how Frances used random letters to spell words, and I especially did not like that her mother did not correct her or help her understand how to properly spell those words. I did not like that her mother was so blasé about Frances' jealousies surrounding Gloria's birthday; I think the mother should have talked with Frances about her feelings. I also didn't like that Frances ate the four gumballs she bought for Gloria with the money her mother advanced her from her allowance, and again she wasn't corrected by her parents for doing so. And lastly, I didn't like the final illustration or the story's ending. In the illustration, Frances's expression doesn't look happy for her sister, instead she seems to be wearing an expression of longing for the Chompo Bar. And I had hoped that Gloria would at least offer to share the Chompo Bar with her sister and friends before eating it all in front of them right then and there. I was raised better, and I hope children nowadays are, too.
About the only way I can see this story being acceptable for young children is if it is a read-aloud book with a parent or another older friend/relative who can point out the problems I've mentioned above and explain proper behaviors. But for children reading alone, as I did when I was young (I started reading early and loved it), this is not a good book, in my opinion.
While I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book, the story wasn't the greatest and I don't particularly want my young nieces to read this one. Much of this reason relates to the primary character: Frances the Badger. There were a number of things I didn't care for in this story:
I did not like how Frances used random letters to spell words, and I especially did not like that her mother did not correct her or help her understand how to properly spell those words. I did not like that her mother was so blasé about Frances' jealousies surrounding Gloria's birthday; I think the mother should have talked with Frances about her feelings. I also didn't like that Frances ate the four gumballs she bought for Gloria with the money her mother advanced her from her allowance, and again she wasn't corrected by her parents for doing so. And lastly, I didn't like the final illustration or the story's ending. In the illustration, Frances's expression doesn't look happy for her sister, instead she seems to be wearing an expression of longing for the Chompo Bar. And I had hoped that Gloria would at least offer to share the Chompo Bar with her sister and friends before eating it all in front of them right then and there. I was raised better, and I hope children nowadays are, too.
About the only way I can see this story being acceptable for young children is if it is a read-aloud book with a parent or another older friend/relative who can point out the problems I've mentioned above and explain proper behaviors. But for children reading alone, as I did when I was young (I started reading early and loved it), this is not a good book, in my opinion.
November 20, 2009
Frances' sister Gloria is having a birthday party, and as the preparations commence Frances begins to deal with feelings of jealousy over the attention Gloria is receiving. When she realizes everyone is giving Gloria a present but her, she begins to cry, then lights upon the idea of buying Gloria a Chompo bar and some gumballs with an advance on her allowance. But on the way home she "accidentally" eats the gumballs, and Father takes the Chompo bar for safekeeping. As the time for the party grows nearer, Frances dithers about whether or not to give up the gift, until Gloria announces that her birthday wish is to be on good terms with Frances. Affection wins out, and Frances joyfully presents her gift to Gloria.
Hoban writes this story with incisive characterization of how young children think, with several delightful moments in which children (and their parents) may recognize themselves. Especially charming is Frances' practice of "spelling" words in the manner of grownups(q-p-m for "ice cream") , which will appeal to early readers who know that words are actually spelled systematicallly. Frances' struggle with selfishness is genuine enough to avoid a preachy, moralistic message, and the entire story takes place in the context of a secure family environment, with wise and loving parents. An outstanding story.
Hoban writes this story with incisive characterization of how young children think, with several delightful moments in which children (and their parents) may recognize themselves. Especially charming is Frances' practice of "spelling" words in the manner of grownups(q-p-m for "ice cream") , which will appeal to early readers who know that words are actually spelled systematicallly. Frances' struggle with selfishness is genuine enough to avoid a preachy, moralistic message, and the entire story takes place in the context of a secure family environment, with wise and loving parents. An outstanding story.
January 6, 2016
I am fortunate that this is among my daughter's favorite books. Russell Hoban captures the richness that pervades children's thoughts, words, and interactions, and he does it without any of the heavy-handed tropes so common to children's literature.
The "Frances" books in general are marked by healthy and amusing parent, child, and sibling relationships, all betwixt endearingly flawed individuals. Particularly good about this title is the unmitigated generosity displayed by one character at the end, an admirable denouement to a storyline that many writers would have moralized into a tepid display of perfunctory sharing. Hoban resists the obvious, yet never veers from the true and believable.
The "Frances" books in general are marked by healthy and amusing parent, child, and sibling relationships, all betwixt endearingly flawed individuals. Particularly good about this title is the unmitigated generosity displayed by one character at the end, an admirable denouement to a storyline that many writers would have moralized into a tepid display of perfunctory sharing. Hoban resists the obvious, yet never veers from the true and believable.
August 20, 2024
The fourth book in the Frances series.
I am still not sure why she is a badger because there seems to be a total; arbitrary choice, I do like the fact that Frances is sometimes a bit of a brat and sometimes a good kid, and she sings to herself and makes ridiculous statements.
'She is in other words a three dimensional character, unlike say how kids are written in the James Patterson books, where they are layered in treacle.
Anyway I digress another solid read from Hoban which should entertain the young ones, it is a short book in terms of pages, but each page is quite wordy, I wonder if it would work better being twice as long in pages with less words on each page.
I am still not sure why she is a badger because there seems to be a total; arbitrary choice, I do like the fact that Frances is sometimes a bit of a brat and sometimes a good kid, and she sings to herself and makes ridiculous statements.
'She is in other words a three dimensional character, unlike say how kids are written in the James Patterson books, where they are layered in treacle.
Anyway I digress another solid read from Hoban which should entertain the young ones, it is a short book in terms of pages, but each page is quite wordy, I wonder if it would work better being twice as long in pages with less words on each page.
July 16, 2013
A great level 2 book for beginner readers. A fun story and a good lesson in learning that birthday's aren't always all about you, but the person whose birthday it is. A good length with some new names that made it interesting and something my 5 yr old could relate to while he was reading it. We love the Frances books.
January 21, 2023
How did it not know how funny this book is?! We read it for my youngest since it’s almost her birthday, but my oldest and I could not stop laughing! So good. I love how it’s humorous, yet realistically portrays sibling jealousy, having a hard time sharing, and other common sibling interactions. Even though the story is about badgers, it rings so true—at least in my experience with small children!
April 20, 2018
An awesome story book to read for fun or to help children understand the processes of giving and sharing. Frances wants to buy her sister a birthday present but is also jealous of it not being her birthday. Beautifully illustrated and very well written with gorgeous rhymes to sing aloud.
January 18, 2018
love these books
August 11, 2025
The dialogue of Frances was just the cutest and most insightful. Great lesson on sharing, other people receiving attention, and allowances.
Cute as heck.
Cute as heck.
October 6, 2021
My 6yo laughs out loud every time we read this one. We can relate to Frances as she is reluctant to celebrate her sister’s birthday. The silly spellings are perfect humor for my early reader.
April 18, 2013
All the Frances stories get childhood just right. The details are what make these stories so insightful--the way Frances squeezes the chocolate bar she really wishes she could keep for herself instead of giving it to her sister Gloria for her birthday, the way she "spells" words, the way Mother is always nearby even when Frances goes "out of town." The Hobans present the self-centeredness of childhood with so much compassion, children can see themselves in these characters and forgive themselves, and each other. That's what makes them such powerful stories.
October 12, 2015
I have recently discovered Frances, and I love her. Frances makes up songs - very quietly - and she runs away from home by hiding under the table. The books are clever, and sweet, and Frances is an introspective and thoughtful character.
In this one, baby sister Gloria has a birthday. Frances get her a present that costs two weeks allowance, but she is mad at Gloria and maybe a little jealous and doesn't want to give her the present. But everything works out in the end.
In this one, baby sister Gloria has a birthday. Frances get her a present that costs two weeks allowance, but she is mad at Gloria and maybe a little jealous and doesn't want to give her the present. But everything works out in the end.
August 11, 2014
I love Frances. She's a precocious little girl who has the typical lessons that need to be learned as a child. And, eventually, she learns them. This one is a classic--not your birthday, misunderstanding between siblings. She makes you smile even as she makes her mistakes. And I never get over how adorable the pictures are.
January 16, 2009
My sister suffered from Frances-syndrome on birthdays. Sometimes I wonder if the picture books one loved as a child are the same one loves as an adult. Frances still rules!!
September 25, 2019
Frances is back with more delightful ditties and dialogue, but she's a bit churlish about little sister Gloria's birthday.
July 8, 2022
So funny and true to life. Charming
August 5, 2022
A Birthday for Frances had shocked me to my core, Frances throws a bloody fit over her younger sister having her birthday celebrations, what kind of sick freak gets jealous over someone else's birthday???? A sick badger like Frances! My daughter Barbara has been diagnosed with clinical depression because she wakes up sad everyday that it isn't her birthday, this has resulted in her trying to drug my wife and I with fentanyl when we sleep, my wife shit the bed last night out of severe stress and then our daughter tried to spread her fecal matter on bread because she was trying to be like Frances. (she may have developed a feces fetish due to these Frances books)
Frances has also affected my daughters ability to form sentences. For instance, yesterday my daughter was angry at us for discussing the possibility of having another child. She approached us and yelled "HOW DARE CHILD GIVE NO!" Later that evening, she laced our luxury eggs benedict with fentanyl.
Think twice, thrice, hundreds of times before giving this book to your kid. It teaches children to be jealous over the basic facts of life: other people having birthdays. How stupid can you be, truly, to be like Frances? Well, you can ask my daughter Barbara. She has become an absolute abomination to our household and I have wished upon millions of shooting stars that I never fertilized this monster.
To make matters worse, this shitshow of a book promotes far right ideologies such as neo-capitalism, Frances doesn't like when anyone does anyone profits off of something without her, Gloria was profiting off of her birthday in emotional means and Frances threw a fit, my daughter Barbara does not like when my wife and I hug because she feels it is "betraying her". We spanked her a couple times but it has done nothing but make her poison us during breakfast.
Frances gave my daughter clinical depression, and made her spread my wife's shit on bread. Not to mention, try to drug us with fentanyl. Things could not be worse. If I never write another review, you can be sure that I have returned to the Lord above. This is what Frances has brought to our lives -- utter ruin.
Frances has also affected my daughters ability to form sentences. For instance, yesterday my daughter was angry at us for discussing the possibility of having another child. She approached us and yelled "HOW DARE CHILD GIVE NO!" Later that evening, she laced our luxury eggs benedict with fentanyl.
Think twice, thrice, hundreds of times before giving this book to your kid. It teaches children to be jealous over the basic facts of life: other people having birthdays. How stupid can you be, truly, to be like Frances? Well, you can ask my daughter Barbara. She has become an absolute abomination to our household and I have wished upon millions of shooting stars that I never fertilized this monster.
To make matters worse, this shitshow of a book promotes far right ideologies such as neo-capitalism, Frances doesn't like when anyone does anyone profits off of something without her, Gloria was profiting off of her birthday in emotional means and Frances threw a fit, my daughter Barbara does not like when my wife and I hug because she feels it is "betraying her". We spanked her a couple times but it has done nothing but make her poison us during breakfast.
Frances gave my daughter clinical depression, and made her spread my wife's shit on bread. Not to mention, try to drug us with fentanyl. Things could not be worse. If I never write another review, you can be sure that I have returned to the Lord above. This is what Frances has brought to our lives -- utter ruin.
December 1, 2024
It is Gloria's birthday but Frances is not sure whether or not to give Gloria a present, as she is the kind of little sister who can't catch, can't throw and who when playing hide-and-seek, always hides in places where part of her is sticking out. Will Frances give Gloria her present..?
Above is the explanation for the book. We never actually find out some of the above things in this book. Frances is immediately antagonistic to her little sister who has a birthday the next day. She says it is because Gloria hid her bucket and shovel (which happened in the previous year). We never hear (at least not in this book and as a kids book it should be standalone) that Gloria can't catch, throw or play hide and seek. Frances is just mean, and unkind (I get kids are like this) but it seems like she just gets to be this way and her parents allow it and allow her to belittle and be rude to her sister. It's not a birthday for Frances- it's for Gloria. And Frances never really accepts this, even at the end she begrudgingly wishes her sister happy birthday singing and giving her part of the gift she bought.
I was going to give this to some friend's kids but I'd rather donate it. I think it is a terrible book.
Above is the explanation for the book. We never actually find out some of the above things in this book. Frances is immediately antagonistic to her little sister who has a birthday the next day. She says it is because Gloria hid her bucket and shovel (which happened in the previous year). We never hear (at least not in this book and as a kids book it should be standalone) that Gloria can't catch, throw or play hide and seek. Frances is just mean, and unkind (I get kids are like this) but it seems like she just gets to be this way and her parents allow it and allow her to belittle and be rude to her sister. It's not a birthday for Frances- it's for Gloria. And Frances never really accepts this, even at the end she begrudgingly wishes her sister happy birthday singing and giving her part of the gift she bought.
I was going to give this to some friend's kids but I'd rather donate it. I think it is a terrible book.
June 9, 2020
I would not have liked this when I was a child. I don't know if I would have liked it when my boys were little as it seems to actually introduce the idea of selfishness and rivalry... my first two were three years apart and usually got along just fine, didn't need this lesson.
I do like the idea of *not* keeping the wish a secret, because it's a special kind of wish that is good, not self-centered, and more likely to come true if articulated. I think the best wishes are all like that, and even the 'gimme' ones are more likely to come true if other people know about them, so I think most wishes *should* be spoken aloud.
I can definitely see the appeal for some people.
But besides not being able tell one badger from the other, and the inconsistent use of clothing, I just don't particularly care for the art, either.
I do like the idea of *not* keeping the wish a secret, because it's a special kind of wish that is good, not self-centered, and more likely to come true if articulated. I think the best wishes are all like that, and even the 'gimme' ones are more likely to come true if other people know about them, so I think most wishes *should* be spoken aloud.
I can definitely see the appeal for some people.
But besides not being able tell one badger from the other, and the inconsistent use of clothing, I just don't particularly care for the art, either.
November 11, 2023
Frances isn't sure she wants to give a birthday present to her annoying little sister Gloria, a present worth two whole allowances.
Once Frances has managed to select a present, she has second thoughts about giving it away. For many pages, readers share the suspense. Will Frances do the right thing?
Frances's wise mother contributes beautifully to the eventual happy ending.
Incidentally, this is the first children's book I've read yet that reminds me of what it was actually like, growing up with a little sister, my sister Amy. Moving!
FIVE STARS for author Russell Hoban and illustrator Lillian Hoban.
Once Frances has managed to select a present, she has second thoughts about giving it away. For many pages, readers share the suspense. Will Frances do the right thing?
Frances's wise mother contributes beautifully to the eventual happy ending.
Incidentally, this is the first children's book I've read yet that reminds me of what it was actually like, growing up with a little sister, my sister Amy. Moving!
FIVE STARS for author Russell Hoban and illustrator Lillian Hoban.
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September 15, 2023This book is about two sisters. They are having a birthday for Gloria, and Frances is upset because the birthday isn’t for her. She buys a special gift of four gumballs and a chompo bar. Frances eats the four gumballs and doesn’t want to give the chompo bar to her sister, but in the end, she does. I could use this book to teach students about sharing, giving, and receiving gifts. I could also ask the students to do a book review and provide a summary of the story in three parts: beginning, middle, and end.
September 16, 2017
When Gloria's birthday comes around, her older sister Frances is debating on a gift to give her. Frances eventually decides on four gumballs and a candy bar. After Frances eats the four gumballs, she starts to wonder if she should keep the candy bar for herself. A great story to talk about siblings and sharing.
February 1, 2019
My favorite Frances book so far! Frances is so typically self-centered when her sister's birthday is coming--having a hard time being happy for her sister and the attention she is getting, and having a hard time wanting to get her a present. Mother and Father are patient in guiding her to be more loving. Frances's spelling is hilarious!
March 16, 2020
"Happy Thursday to you, Happy Thursday to you, Happy Thursday, dear Alice, Happy Thursday to you." Frances is a witty, quintessential kid. I loved her spunk and retorts, and my 5-year-old - who shares a bit in common with her - could not stand her. The four star rating is mine - my daughter gave 1 star.
August 16, 2020
1969
I love the whole series! Not sure if I had the books for my own children, I think maybe so.
I read them to all my grandchildren.
Some are maybe more directed at parents than at children, I feel; all can be appreciated by parents. The parents are good role models for us to follow.
Goodreads has these on a list of BOOKS FOR FIVE YEAR OLDS
I love the whole series! Not sure if I had the books for my own children, I think maybe so.
I read them to all my grandchildren.
Some are maybe more directed at parents than at children, I feel; all can be appreciated by parents. The parents are good role models for us to follow.
Goodreads has these on a list of BOOKS FOR FIVE YEAR OLDS
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews