April 1, 2025
Frances
Throughout the first years of my elementary school life, the only thing that would get me to finally stay seated for breakfast before school was an incredible animated Badger named Frances.Frances (2008) is a short-lived TV adaptation of the children’s book series by Russell Hoban. Recently, I was lucky enough to stumble across one of the books in an antique store, which is what reminded me of all the lessons, and nostalgic animation, that this show provides young minds. It is genuinely one of the greatest children’s shows — in my opinion — that demonstrates children’s emotions and how to navigate them at such a young age.
Two of my favorite episodes that provide examples of this are Bread and Jam for Frances and A Cupcake for Frances, both of which I strongly believe took part in shaping me into the person I am today. As one of those kids who was a picky eater throughout my childhood — and still now, honestly — the Bread and Jam for Frances episode was always so memorable, not only for myself but also for my parents, who were forced to listen to it every morning. In the episode, Frances refuses to eat any food that isn’t, of course, bread and jam, up until the end when she decides maybe it’d be nice to try other foods once in a while. This episode not only was impactful through finding a balance of being able to enjoy your favorite foods but also showing how trying new things can be good, through the perspective mainly through young Frances, while also revealing how her parents navigated this change. Plus, it has one of the best songs from the show!
As for A Cupcake for Frances, this one was memorable to me because of how good the cupcakes looked, but its real message revolved around honesty and integrity. Frances’ mom makes cupcakes for all the kids to get one after the recital. Frances, wanting two, takes one of the other kids cupcakes and eats it, later lying to her parents about what happened to it. We watch as Frances’ guilt affects her and how she reflects on the fact she doesn’t feel good for eating her friend’s cupcake and lying about it. Through this thought process, she finds the solution to give her cupcake to her friend and apologize for eating his, as well as apologize to her parents for lying. Once again, it’s another great demonstration of emotions and actions kids go through.
While my only copy of the show on DVD is scratched to sh-t, skipping at least two out of the six episodes, I’m luckily still able to watch it on YouTube when I’m feeling nostalgic for simpler times (shout out to the YouTube account who sacrificed monetization; I love you). I will say, though, upon rewatch, it brought up the reminder of a nightmare this show gave me, so watch at your own risk, if you’re feeling crazy.
Available on YouTube.