EARLY CHAPTER FICTION REVIEW : Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo

 

FRANKLIN ENDICOTT AND THE THIRD KEY

by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Candlewick Press, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-5362-0181-9

Source: publisher for review

Ages 6-9

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Frank Endicott is a worrier. He worries about lions, submarines, black holes, leprosy, and armadillos. He lists his worries alphabetically in a notebook and suffers vivid nightmares that even a certain neighborhood pig can't dispatch. When he accompanies Eugenia Lincoln on an errand to duplicate a key at her favorite dark and dusty thrift shop, Frank earns fresh cause for alarm. Odd Buddy Lamp, the shop's proprietor, has sent them home with the original key and its copy. Can Frank come to terms with the mystery without buckling under his mounting dread?

REVIEW

Like so many people today, Franklin is a worrier.  In fact, he has so many worries that he keeps track of them in a notebook with all the appropriate details.  But after stashing the notebook under his bed, he starts to have nightmares.  Even Mercy Watson, the pig, can't help him let go of his worries.  After a nighttime visit to his neighbor, Eugenia Lincoln, she recruits him to help her with an errand the next day.  Frank is a bit creeped out by the owner of the store they visit to get a key duplicated.  When they return home, a third key shows up with the duplicate that Eugenia ordered.  The mystery of the key adds to Frank's worries. After returning to the shop, Buddy Lamp shares a book of stories with Frank along with some hot chocolate.  Mercy helps dispose of the mystery of the third key and maybe Eugenia and a book of stories can help Frank deal with his other worries.

As with most Kate DiCamillo stories this one is full of heart.  Frank is a sympathetic character as he struggles to solve his problems with worrying and the nightmares it causes.  I'm always amazed at the way DiCamillo weaves themes into her seemingly simple stories.  Her she highlights the importance of family and friends along with the comfort that can be found in stories.  Also the power of persistence and learning to let go are themes that show up in the book.  Van Dusen's illustrations add the perfect touch to the story.  And Mercy Watson plays an amusing role as in all the Deckawoo drive stories.  Another refreshing, unusual, and yet emotionally resonant story from one of children's literature's best writers.