Page 1
Most of the time Franklin was alone. He would have liked some friends but he never invited anyone home. Why?
Page 2
The truth is, Franklin was too embarrassed. His family
was very lazy and very messy. They never, ever
cleaned up. They didn't sweep, wash
dishes, or make their beds.
They only took baths
once a year - and then
only if it was absolutely
necessary.
Page 3
The house was so messy it was even dangerous to walk around. Everyone was always slipping on toys that hadn't been put away.
Page 4
Someone in the family was always sick or hurt.
Page 5
Franklin's parents didn't seem to care very much. They spent most of their time sleeping.
Page 6
Every morning Franklin got up early for school.
Page 11
and had a healthy breakfast.
Page 12
His brothers always overslept.
Page 13
Then at the last minute they would wake up and follow Franklin to school, without washing up or eating breakfast.
Page 14
At school the teacher made Franklin's brothers sit apart from the other students. They were simply too dirty and smelly- even for pigs.
Page 15
Franklin often wished his brothers would change a little, but his brothers didn't seem to care.
Page 16
One day all the pigs had to paint a picture. They could paint whatever they liked. Franklin decided to paint a pretty rainbow. He worked hard at it.
Page 17
When it was finished Franklin's rainbow was the most beautiful painting in the whole class. The teacher held it up for everyone to see, and then she pinned a beautiful ribbon on it...first prize! Franklin was very happy.
Page 18
"I wonder what my parents will say," he thought as he carried his picture home.
Page 19
To Franklin's delight his family was very impressed.
His father, his mother and his grandfather all
agreed that this picture was a masterpiece.
"Hang it up on the wall over there!"
demanded his father, "don't be shy, son.
This picture deserves to be
seen by everyone!"
Page 20
When the picture was on the wall Franklin stepped back.
"Do you think," he said quietly, "it would look nicer if the wall was a bit cleaner?"
"You're right, son!" said his father, "Let's wash the wall!"
Page 21
Franklin's father began to scrub the dirty wall with lots of soap and water. "Look!" he noticed. "There is a wallpaper underneath!" "And what a pretty design!" added Franklin's mother.
Page 22
After the job was done they all noticed the messy floor. "Maybe we should do something about the old straw," said Grandfather.
Page 23
"I had intended to change this old straw for the last 50 years but I never got around to it." said Grandfather.
"Now I have a good reason to get started."
Page 24
"But the curtains!" said Franklin's mother.
"We can't leave them dirty.
I must wash them, too."
Page 25
Washing those dirty curtains took a lot of soap and water. A lovely soft white foam rose from the trough and spilled bubbles over the side. It looked so tempting...
Page 26
...that the whole family jumped in for a bubble bath- splashing, playing, grunting and laughing all afternoon.
Page 27
Franklin began to feel much better about his family. Soon he invited some of his schoolmates to come over. His mother served them cookies and his father found an old harmonica and began to play songs.
Page 28
Grandfather joined in a few games, too. Before they left, Franklin's friends told him, "Your family is the best!" Franklin had to agree.
Page 29
From then on, life was much happier
for Franklin and his family.
His mother, his father, his grandfather,
even his brothers managed to keep the
house - and themselves - clean and neat.
Page 30
Only once in a while they all took a crazy mud bath together- including Franklin.
