While vacationing in the Seychelles, Tim discovers a well-guarded private island where he learns of a devious plot that threatens the endangered local giant tortoise.
The adventures of a three-legged snapping turtle as she travels from the headwaters to the mouth of the Mississippi River illustrate the life cycle of the turtle and the geography, history, geology, and climate of the river.
Franklin, wanting to emulate his favorite athletes by having a cool nickname, asks everyone to call him Flash, but his plan backfires when his friends decide Pokey fits him better.
Franklin, attending his first meeting of the Woodland Trailblazers, is dismayed to learn it is going to take some time to earn badges, but by the end of the evening, he has had so much fun, he is glad to have a reason to keep coming back.