Milkshake! Story Den

Fantastic Frankie is a 12‑minute episode from the BBC’s new ‘Storytime Shorts’ series that debuted on 12 October 2024. It follows Olivia, played by Lily Harper, as she opens a picture book called Fantastic Frankie. Inside, a flamboyant fox in a rainbow cape, pirate boots and a gold crown sets off on a whimsical adventure. Olivia reads the tale aloud to her little brother, and the fox’s escapades spring to life in bright stop‑motion vignettes. Frankie darts from a storm‑tossed treasure hunt to a cloud‑castle ballroom, all while trying not to lose his cape. The story is essentially a simple quest for a missing jewel, wrapped in over‑the‑top visuals and a jaunty, early‑2000s‑style soundtrack. Honestly, the episode feels a bit dated – the CGI is a tad ropy and the jokes land as dad‑level puns. Still, Lily Harper’s enthusiastic narration and the sheer silliness of a fox in pirate boots give it a proper charm. It’s not deep, but it’s a pleasantly quirky filler for a rainy afternoon. Rated U, it’s safe for all ages, though there’s a brief slip‑on‑a‑wet‑plank moment that might raise a brow. First shown on terrestrial TV in October, repeats run on CBeebies. At just 12 minutes, it’s an easy bite‑size watch – perfect when you need a quick, colourful story.