Narrator

The narrator is an unseen character who is very important to the original series. The narrator is a female voiceover. As a rule, the narrator only speaks at the very beginning of every Franklin story.

The narrator opens the beginning of each television story with the line "Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes", though in the first season, narrator would say different facts about the main character (e.g. "Franklin could climb up high in a tree"). This is followed by a short description of something pertinent to the upcoming story.

Voice Actors[]

The voice of the narrator has changed since the program first aired.

In the first season, Judy Marshak was the voice of the narrator. She later returned as a guest voice in the third season. Shirley Douglas assumed the role in the second to fourth seasons, then Janet-Laine Green in the fifth and sixth seasons.

Catchphrases[]

“Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes.” (1997 series, many times)
- This is usually how every Franklin story would begin, typically with this line.
“He could zip zippers and button buttons.” (sometimes as an accompaniment to the above)

All Narrations[]

Season 1[]

Franklin Plays the Game: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could button buttons and zip zippers. But he couldn't kick a soccer ball straight, and that was a problem. Because Franklin wanted to be the best player on his team.
Franklin Wants A Pet: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could button buttons and zip zippers. He even had a best friend named Bear. But Franklin wanted something else.
Hurry Up, Franklin: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could button buttons and zip zippers. But no matter what he did, Franklin was never in a hurry.
Franklin's Bad Day: Franklin and Otter love the winter. They love making angels in the snow, they like to catch snowflakes on their tongues, and they like to make snow bears. But today was different. Today, Franklin was having a bad day.
Franklin Goes to School: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could sharpen his pencil and draw a straight line with his ruler. And this was good, because today, Franklin is going to school for the first time.
Franklin Is Lost: Franklin could slide down a river bank. He could zip zippers and button buttons. He could even walk to Bear's house all by himself. And even so, Franklin was not allowed to go into the woods alone.
Franklin Has a Sleepover: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could zip zippers and button buttons. So Franklin thought he was big enough for his first sleepover.
Franklin's Halloween: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He knew the days of the week, the months of the year, and the holidays in every season. Franklin knew today was October 31st. It was Halloween.
Franklin Rides a Bike: Franklin could swim underwater and pump himself up high on a swing. Franklin also knew how to ride a bike, with training wheels of course.
Franklin Is Messy: Franklin could count forwards and backwards. He could count by twos and tie his shoes. But, Franklin was so messy that he could hardly find his things, even special things.
Franklin Fibs: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could zip zippers and button buttons. But there were certain things Franklin could not do.
Franklin's Blanket: Franklin could slide down a river bank all by himself. He could even sleep alone, as long as he had a good night story, a good night hug, and his blue blanket. But one day...
Franklin is Bossy: Franklin could slide down a river bank all by himself. He could count forwards and backwards. He also had lots of friends. But one hot day, something awful happened.
Franklin's Fort: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. But more than anything, Franklin wanted a place he and his friends call their very own.
Finders Keepers for Franklin: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He was also good at seeing things that others missed. And one day, Franklin had something special.
Franklin's New Friend: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He had the same friends ever since he could remember. Franklin never thought about making friends until a new family moved in.
Franklin's School Play: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could remember his phone number, his address, and the names of six different shapes. But now, Franklin had a lot more to remember.
Franklin and the Secret Club: Franklin could slide down a river bank all by himself. He could count forwards and backwards. He had lots of friends, and every day they play together. But one day, Franklin felt left out.
Franklin and the Red Scooter: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could zip zippers and button buttons. He could ride a bicycle, and he could ride a scooter too. If only he had one.
Franklin in the Dark: Franklin could zip zippers and button buttons. He could count by twos and tie his shoes. But Franklin was afraid of small dark places, like the inside of his shell.
Franklin and the Tooth Fairy: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He also had lots of friends, and his best friend Bear was just like him. But one day, Franklin found out that he and Bear were very different.
Franklin Takes the Blame: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. But he never had a job of his very own.
Franklin's Christmas Gift: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He could name all of Santa's reindeer, and play Silent Night on his recorder. But Franklin couldn't decide to give to the Christmas toy drive.
Franklin's Granny: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He loved to read books, and he loved to draw pictures. But most of all, Franklin loved to play with his friends.
Franklin and the Baby: Franklin could slide down a river bank all by himself. He knew how to fly a kite, and he knew how to build a castle out of blocks. But Franklin didn't know what it's like to be a big brother.
Franklin Goes to Day Camp: Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes. He had a friend named Beaver, and a friend named Goose. He also had a friend named Bear. But Franklin was very, very funny.

Season 2[]

NOTE: From this season onward, the narrator always starts out with "Franklin could count by twos and tie his shoes".

Franklin's Visitor: He had a pet goldfish named Goldie, and a best friend named Bear. One day, Franklin wondered if Goldie needed a friend too.
Franklin's Not-So-Broken Bone: He could ride a bike and play baseball with his friends. But one day, Franklin couldn't do all of his favorite things.
Franklin's Gift: He could draw a picture of mountains and make castles out of blocks. He'd liked making special things for special people. One day, Franklin wondered if a gift he made all by himself with special enough.
Franklin Growing Up Fast: He liked riding his bike and playing games with his friends, but how long will that last? Franklin wanted to grow up fast.
Franklin the Spy: He could ride a bike, and slide down a river bank. He liked playing pretend with his best friend Bear. But one day, Franklin's pretending got carried away.
Franklin's Library Book: He took good care of his goldfish, his bicycle and all of his toys. But was he ready to look after something that wasn't his own?
Franklin's Kite: He liked riding his bike and flying his kite. But when a kite gets broken, you can't fly it again. At least that's what Franklin loved.
Franklin and the Babysitter: He could blow bubbles in his bath and read storybooks too. When Franklin's mom and dad go away, he likes Granny to come and play. But one day, a different babysitter came to stay.
Franklin and the Broken Globe: He knew about Africa, Japan, and the Rocky Mountains too. He knew he should tell the teacher when he did something wrong. But one day Franklin waited too long.
Franklin's Valentines: He could name off the months and their special days too. Franklin liked February for Valentines Day, when he made special cards for all of his friends. But what if his cards couldn't be delivered on that special day?
Franklin's Family Treasure: He could take care of his bike and his favorite toys too. But one day, Franklin didn't take care of something that was special to his whole family.
Franklin's Music Lessons: He could blow on his whistle and sing a song too. But Franklin wanted to play songs on a real musical instrument, and that took a lot more practice than he thought.
Franklin Takes a Trip: He could ride his bike to Granny's house, and ride a bus to school. But Franklin had never been on a trip far away from home.
Franklin's Bicycle Helmet: He could zip zippers and buckle things up. But Franklin was growing and his bicycle helmet wouldn't buckle up anymore. Could he choose a new one that was just right?
Franklin's Bicycle Helmet: He could make up games and organize teams. But Franklin had never planned his own party, and his birthday was coming up soon.
Franklin's Nickname: He could zip zippers and button buttons. He could think up funny nicknames for his friends too. But sometimes nicknames aren't so funny.
Franklin and Otter's Visit: He had lots of friends and they played lots of games. One day, a friend who had moved away, came back to play.
Franklin's Collection: He had lots of toys and lots of games. But Franklin wanted a collection of special things. What would that collection be?
Franklin Says Sorry: He could play games with his friends and fix broken toys too. But one day, Franklin had to fix up a broken friendship and he didn't know what to do.
Franklin and the Fire: He would look both ways before crossing the street, and he always worries helped when he rode his bike. He knew a lot about safety, but Franklin was about to learn something new.
Franklin's Garden: He could zip zippers and button buttons. He could make his own snacks and tidy his room. He could even help his dad in the garden. But one summer, dad gave Franklin his very own garden to plant.
Franklin Runs Away: He had a mom and a dad who loved him, and he had some best friends too. And special feelings like that never change. But one day, Franklin wasn't so sure about that.
Franklin's Gloomy Day: He liked making up games and playing with his friends. But one gloomy day, Franklin had no one to play with, so he had to learn on his own.
Franklin Tells Time: He knew the days of the week and the months of the year. But Franklin wanted to know about the hours and minutes too, so he could be on time for the things he like to do.
Franklin's Test: He had won a blue ribbon for swimming and a trophy for playing soccer. But one day, Franklin won something that maybe he shouldn't have.
Franklin and the Duckling: He could care for his toy dog Sam, and Goldie, his goldfish. But one day, Franklin had something to care for, that took a lot more of this time than he ever planned.

Season 3[]

Franklin and His Night Friend: He could swim, and ride a bike, and do many things really well. But one day, Franklin learned that the thing he couldn't do best, was to just be himself.
Franklin and the Two Henrys: He had a pet goldfish named Goldie and a best friend named Bear. But Bear wanted to have a pet too. And because they were best friends, Franklin wanted to help him.
Franklin's Nature Hike: He could help his friends build a fort, and help his father in the yard. He could even help Mr. Owl plan a nature hike. But one day, Franklin was too helpful.
Franklin's Starring Role: He liked to tell stories and act in front of an audience. But one day, Franklin learned that you don't have to be at center stage to be a star.
Franklin's Masterpiece: He did drawings for his friends and paintings for his Granny. And one day, Franklin painted a picture for an art contest.
Franklin and the Computer: He knew lots of games and all of their rules. But one day, Franklin learned that friendship is more important than winning a game.
Franklin the Trooper: He liked to help his mother make cookies, and he liked to help his father rake leaves. But one day, Franklin was tired of being a helper.
Franklin's Fossil: He could read the books that his friends gave him, and drink the lemonade that they made for him on hot summer days. But one day, Franklin learned that giving back is an important part of friendship too.
Franklin and the Fortune Teller: He had friends who told stories and friends who told jokes. But one day, a friend told Franklin about the things that would happen tomorrow.
Franklin's Cellar: He could use his imagination to make the moon smile, and the clouds look like animals. But one day, Franklin imagined something that he wished would go away.
Franklin Plants a Tree: He liked carrying for his goldfish and attending his guard. But when Franklin found out he was getting his very own tree to plant, he had such big plans!
Franklin the Hero: He could reach for the cookie jar without a chair, and he could lift a basket of apples with one hand. But one day, Franklin wondered if he had what it took to be a hero.
Franklin's Day Off: He liked to ride his bike and build things too. But when it was time to put away the things he had built, Franklin wanted to ride his bike instead.
Franklin's Homemade Cookies: He could swim in the pond and play Find the Unicorn in the woods. He knew how to play fair, and how to share his homemade treats. But one day, Franklin learned something new about being kind to a friend.
Franklin the Fabulous: He could ride a bike, and read a storybook. But sometimes Franklin forgot that learning something new, starts with many small steps.
Franklin Camps Out: He could make his own snack, and read a storybook too. But one day, Franklin didn't try hard enough to do some things all by himself.
Franklin and the Puppy: He found a caterpillar in his garden, and he found a gray fish in the stream. But one day, a puppy found Franklin.
Franklin Takes the Bus: He could take his turn in a playground, and he could take an extra help fly by. But one day, Franklin took something without asking first.
Franklin and the Copycat: He could read stories, and he could draw the most colorful clouds in his class. But one day, someone drew colorful clouds that look just like Franklin's.
Big Brother Franklin: He liked pancakes with ladybug sprinkles, and he liked playing games with his friends. And one day, he thought he liked being a big brother.
Franklin and the Grump: He knew when to say "please", and when to say "thank you". But one day, Franklin didn't know what to say when he met someone who was grumpy.
Franklin's Promise: He could help weed the garden, and help set the table too. But one day, Franklin couldn't do everything he promised.
Franklin and the Thunderstorm: Sometimes he's slept without a night light, and he could even go down to the cellar all by himself. But one day, Franklin learned that being afraid was nothing to be ashamed of.
Franklin's Maple Syrup: He liked to have fun making snowmen and riding on his sled. And one day, Franklin learned that working together with others, can be the most fun of all.
Franklin Helps Out: He helped his mother in the garden, and he helped his father hang up the wash. But one day, Franklin learned that home wasn't the only place where he could help.
Franklin's Missing Snacks: He had a bike, a baseball glove, and all kinds of toys. But one day, Franklin learned that the most important thing he had, was a best friend.

Season 4[]

Franklin's Good Deeds: He liked to help his parents and he liked to help the natives too. But one day, Franklin wanted everyone to know just how hepful he was.
Franklin's Submarine: He had a train set, a ball glove, and lots of other fun things to play with. But one day, Franklin had the chance to own his very own submarine.
Mr. Fix-It Franklin: He could fix a torn page with tape, and he could fix himself a snack. But one day, Franklin wanted to fix something with real tools.
Franklin Has the Hiccups: He liked playing soccer, and he had fun playing chess too. But one day, Franklin was too worried to enjoy playing games.
Franklin Delivers: He loved to play tag, and hide-and-seek, or fly kites with his friends. But one day, Franklin wanted to do the things that big kids do.
Franklin's Shell Trouble: He could spin on his shell, and hide inside it too. But one day, Franklin had a small problem with his shell, and he was worried what his friends would say.
Franklin's Sailboat: He could drive pretend children to school in his school bus, and put out pretend fires with his toy fire truck. But one day, Franklin wondered if his toy sailboat was good enough to win a real race.
Franklin Snoops: He knew why the leaves fell in autumn, and he knew why his kite needed a tail. But one day, Franklin wanted to know too much about his surprise.
Franklin's Father: He could walk across a log without falling, and he could make lemonade without spills. But one day, Franklin learned that little mishaps happened to everyone.
Franklin Plays Hockey: He could play soccer in the summer and hockey in the winter. But one day, Franklin learned that a winning team has players who give everyone a chance, even if they're beginners.
Franklin and the Puppet Play: He could help a friend read a story, and he could help a friend cross the stream. But one day, Franklin had to help a friend who was bossy.
Franklin's Stopwatch: He could swim fast across the pond, and he could draw a picture very quickly too. But one day, Franklin felt slower than all of his friends.
Franklin Meets Ermine: He had friends at school, and friends in the village too. But one day, Franklin learned that meeting new friends isn't easy for everyone.
Franklin's Funny Business: He liked telling jokes, and had fun making others laugh. But one day, Franklin learned that jokes are more fun, but all his friends are laughing together.
Franklin and Sam: He could ride a bike, and he could climb a tree. He knew he wasn't a baby anymore. But one day, Franklin was worried that his friends might think he looked like one.
Franklin's Berry Patch: He liked blueberries, and he liked blackberries too. But one day, Franklin learned that berries you share with everyone, had the best kind of all.
Franklin's Rival: He loved surprises, and he loved his grants. But one day, a surprise visitor came who loved Granny too.
Franklin and the Trading Cards: His favorite sport was soccer, and his favorite treat was Shoo Fly Pie. But one day, Franklin learned that it isn't always to choose favorites, especially between two friends.
Franklin's Robot: He could make a kite that could fly, and a boat that could sail. But one day, Franklin wanted to make a robot that could do everything.
Franklin the Detective: He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, and he liked putting together jigsaw puzzles. But one day, Franklin had a puzzle that was very hard to solve.
Franklin the Fearless: He was always brave when he broozed his knee or got his sliver. But one day, Franklin learned that he admitted he was afraid, was a brave thing to do too.
Franklin's Lucky Charm: He could cross his fingers for good luck, and he could find a penny for good luck too. But one day, Franklin had to find a lucky charm for his best friend, Bear.
Franklin at the Seashore: He had lots of friends, and he enjoyed meeting new friends. But one day, a misunderstanding got him in the way of a friendship.
Franklin and Snail's Dream: He dreamed of sailing across the ocean, and of climbing high mountains. But one day, Franklin wondered if some dreams were too big to come true.
My Franklin: He had a mother, and a father, and some cousins too. But one day, Franklin felt like he had a little sister too.
Franklin's Mom: He liked exploring outdoors and going on camping trips. But one camping trip seemed like it was over before it even began.

Franklin and the Green Knight:[]

He loved warm spring showers, hot summer days, and crisp autumn winds. He also loved the winter, because winter meant snow. And playing in the snow made them very happy. One January, when the snow laid deeper and thicker, than anyone in Woodland couldn't remember, Franklin was especially happy. And something was about to happen that will change his life forever.

Season 5[]

Franklin the Teacher: He could show his little sister how to blow bubbles, and how to play tag. But one day, Franklin decided it was time to teach her more important things.
Franklin's Allergy: He could stop his bicycle, and he could stop a soccer ball. But one day, Franklin couldn't stop sneezing.
Franklin Loses a Book: He liked playing games with his little sister, and reading books to her before naptime. But there was one book Franklin thought he read quite enough.
Franklin and Betty: He liked playing knights, and they liked building castles. And one day, Franklin met a friend he liked just the same things.
Franklin's Pumpkin: He liked planting seeds in the garden, and watching them grow. But Franklin had never grown anything quite this big before.
Franklin's Jug Band: He loved his little sister Harriet. But sometimes, he found it wasn't easy being a big brother.
Franklin and the Bus Patrol: He liked baseball and soccer, and always tried to play by the rules. But making sure that his friends followed the rules, was a responsibility Franklin wasn't quite prepared for.
Franklin and Wolvie: He liked swimming and playing soccer with his friends. But sometimes, a new friend can take a little getting used to.
Franklin Stays Up: He liked campouts and getting to stay up late. And one night, Franklin was determined to stay up later than ever before.
Franklin's Bargain: He liked helping his parents, and being given extra responsibilities. But one day, Franklin learned than an important part of responsibility, was keeping his hand a bargain.
Franklin's Big Game: He could win hockey games and ball games too. But one day, Franklin realized that the score doesn't matter, when everyone's having fun.
Franklin's Reading Club: He could spell his own name, and he could say the alphabet really quickly. But one day, Franklin learned that some things aren't meant to be done in a hurry.
Franklin in Two Places: He had lots and lots of friends, but Franklin never thought having lots of friends would be a problem.
Franklin's First Star: He could lace up his skates and play hockey too. But one day, Franklin learned that there was more to being great than scoring lots of golds.
Franklin's Float: He liked riding his bicycle, and watching parades. But Franklin had never been in a parade before.
Franklin's Party Plans: He thought all his friends were special. But one day, he thought about making one friend feel extra special.
Gee Whiz Franklin: He could swim in a river race and finish first. But one day, Franklin learned that putting friends first is how to be a real winner.
Franklin Can't Wait: He knew the number of seconds in a minute, and the number of minutes in an hour. But one day, two hours seemed to take forever.
Franklin's Spring First: He could read a calendar, and remember important holidays. But one day, Franklin decided to make a new holiday of his own.
Franklin Plays Golf: He could throw a ball through a hoop, and kick a ball into a net. But one day, Franklin learned that hitting a ball into a hole isn't as easy as it looks.
Franklin's Canoe Trip: He liked walking to the library, and riding his bicycle to the playground. But some places aren't quite so easy to get to.
Franklin's Interview: He could zip zippers and button buttons, and he could find special stones to skip. But one day, he couldn't find someone special to interview.
Franklin's Crystal: He could share a book with his sister, and a snack with his mom and dad. But one day, Franklin had a problem sharing something with a friend.
Franklin's Advice: He could give his friends a ride in his wagon, and he could give them a cookie too. But one day, Franklin had to give a friend advice. And sometimes, that's a hard thing to do.
Franklin's Cookie Question: He could save money in his piggy bank, and make a new box of crayons last for months. But one day, Franklin wanted to make his cookies last a long time, and that was very hard to do.
Franklin's Picnic: He liked eating potatoes, carrots and Shoo Fly Pie. But there were some foods that Franklin just knew, he wouldn't like.

Season 6[]

Franklin Itching to Skateboard: He knew he could always share his concerns with his parents. But one day, something happened that Franklin didn't tell them.
Franklin Forgives: He liked to go on picnics with his mom and dad, and his sister Harriet. But one day, he brought along a special friend too.
Hockey Fan Franklin: He could build a snowman and he could play hockey very well. But one day, Franklin learned that teamwork isn't as important as winning goals.
Mother Hen Franklin: He liked going to the park with his little sister, and playing all sorts of games with her. And sometimes just letting you play was a difficult thing to do.
Franklin's Badge: He could tell a birch from a maple tree, and he could chirp like a chickadee. But there were many other things Franklin wanted to learn.
Franklin Stargazes: He could make 20 dinosaurs and lots of different trees too. But Franklin still had much to learn about the stars and the planets.
Franklin and the Swimming Party: He liked to help his parents with chores, and he was a good helper. But one day, Franklin volunteered to be a helper at school too.
Franklin's Soccer Field Folly: He liked playing with his friends, and always laughed along when something funny happens. But one day, something funny happened to Franklin.
Franklin the Weather Turtle: He knew how to ride a bike, and skip stones on the pond. But one thing he didn't know how to do, was predict the weather, until one day.
Franklin's Dance Lessons: He liked riding his bicycle to the playground, and learning to play new games. But there was something Franklin knew wouldn't like before he even tried it.
Franklin in Charge: He could clean his room and help out around the house. But one day, Franklin learned the importance of asking for help.
Franklin's UFO: He liked camping out with his friends and imagine and wonder far off places. But one day, Franklin let his imagination get the best of him.
Franklin Migrates: He knew that Halloween was in fall, and so is Thanksgiving. But there was another celebration coming up, one that Frankin never even heard of.
Franklin the Photographer: He loved to make drawings and paintings, and he loved building models with his dad. But one day, Franklin got very excited about taking pictures.
Franklin's Word: He could say the alphabet forwards and backwards, and he knew so many words he couldn't count them all. But one day, Franklin learned how important it is to choose your words carefully.
Franklin's Pond Phantom: He liked riding his bike to the library, and reading books about strange and mysterious creatures. But one day, Franklin saw a very strange creature himself.
Franklin the Coach: He loved soccer, and even wanted to be a coach someday. But that day came sooner than he thought.
Franklin Plays it Safe: He liked playing on a soccer field, and he liked to play in the park. But one day, Franklin decided that the treefort was not a good place to play.
Franklin's Favorite Card: He liked to collect stamps, and he liked to collect rocks too. But one of the things he was most proud of was his soccer card collection.
Franklin's Expedition: He liked planning fun things to do in a sunny day. But one day, he realized the things don't always work out exactly as planned.
Franklin's Bike-a-Thon: He enjoyed going to the library to hear story readings, and he liked to borrow books. But one day, there was a special meeting held at the library.
Franklin's Candy Caper: He knew the importance of having good manners, and showing respect to others. But one day, Franklin learned the importance of being honest.
Franklin's Go-Cart Race: He liked making paper airplanes and little wooden boats. But one day, Franklin built something that was big enough to ride down the hill.
Sir Franklin's Squire: He liked to play soccer at school, and tag with his little sister. But most of all, Franklin loved playing knights.
Franklin Sees the Big Picture: He knew how to be a caring big brother to Harriet, and a thoughtful son to Mom and Dad. And one day, Franklin learned to really appreciate his Granny.
Franklin Figure Skates: He knew how to hit a home run in baseball, and score a goal in soccer. But when it came to playing hockey, there was something Franklin could not do.

Trivia[]

The narrator is not used in any of the Franklin movies other than Franklin and the Green Knight (where the only exception to date had the narrator to speak again following the opening events), nor in the Franklin and Friends series.
It is possible that the narrator is voiced by a woman as a reference to the fact that the original books were written by a woman: Paulette Bourgeois.