Franky is a robot, and Sam makes Franky because he wants someone, a friend, who understands him and has time to spend with him.
Sam and Franky play robots all day, but Sam keeps Franky hidden - he's Sam's secret. Then one day Franky starts waiting for other robots to arrive from space. He sits at the window in Sam's bedroom, waiting and watching for the spaceship.
When the robots arrive, Sam has to say goodbye to Franky who returns to the robots’ planet with them, but now Sam's family believe robots really do live on another planet!
Reading Franky reminded me a bit of ET the Extraterrestrial. Both share the story of a young boy who is a bit of a loner and a robot/alien waiting to return to the place he belongs.
Franky is a story with heart, suitable for both younger and older children, and Leo Timmers' illustration style – like a slick comic or television cartoon - is perfect for it.
Title: Franky
Author/Illustrator: Leo Timmers
Publisher: Gecko Press, $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781927271940
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book
