“With marshmallows?” Bear licked his lips.
“And hot dogs too,” said Franklin’s mother.
Franklin’s father told Bear and Franklin what to do. They gathered sticks and twigs at the edge of the woods and helped to lay the fire. They filled a bucket with sand and another with water.
“I’ll light the fire,” said Franklin’s mother.
There was a crackle, and sparks jumped into the air.
“I went to camp,” said Franklin’s father. “We used to sing while the fire was burning.”
He sang in a clear, low voice. By the end of the song, Franklin and Bear had learned all the words. The frogs in the pond were croaking, and the owl in the woods was hooting.
Franklin and Bear toasted marshmallows and roasted hot dogs. Bear had two of everything. Then, for a long, long time they sat quietly, watching the stars.
Franklin yawned and Bear rubbed his eyes.
“Time to put out the fire and go inside,” said Franklin’s father.
When Franklin and Bear were ready for bed, Franklin’s parents gave them both a glass of water and a good-night hug.
“Sleep tight,” they said, turning off the light.
The two friends lay still for a moment. Then Bear turned on his flashlight.
“Franklin?” he whispered. “I don’t feel good.”
“Did you eat too much?” asked Franklin.
“No,” sniffed Bear. A tear ran down his cheek.
“What’s wrong then?”
Bear looked around. “I miss my room.”
“Oh,” said Franklin. Then he had an idea. “Bring your bed and come with me. We can sleep in my room.”
Bear found a cosy spot and snuggled into his sleeping bag. After a moment, he turned on his flashlight again.
“What’s wrong now?” Franklin asked.
“My mother always says good night to my bunny,” whispered Bear.
So Franklin gave the bunny a hug. “Good night, Bunny. Good night, Bear,” he said.
Soon they were fast asleep.
The next morning, Franklin’s father made them a special breakfast.
“Did you have a nice sleepover?” asked Franklin’s mother.
“It was wonderful,” said Bear. “Thank you. Next time, may Franklin come to my house?”
“Of course,” Franklin’s parents laughed.
Franklin did his own happy dance.
“And Bear,” said Franklin, tapping his shell, “don’t worry about where I will sleep. I always bring my own cosy bed with me!”
Franklin's New Friend, Franklin's Bad Day, and Franklin Has a Sleepover Page 2
