Monday, March 7, 2011

Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos - discovered, edited & illustrated by Robert Lawson

Ben and Me is a fictionalized biography of Benjamin Franklin told by Amos, the mouse who lives in Ben's fur cap.  According to Amos, all of Ben's accomplishment's are directly due to Amos.

Amos is the oldest of 26 church mice (their names run from Amos to Zenas.) To ease the burden on his family, Amos strikes out on his own and ends up living in Benjamin Franklin's fur cap. He quickly determines that the famous Dr. Franklin is in great need of his advice and assistance.  After helping Franklin to invent the Franklin Stove, Amos and Ben work out an agreement whereby in exchange for cheese and bread for his family, Amos will stay with Ben and give him the benefit of his wisdom.

This is a quick, delightful tongue in cheek introduction to one of America's founding fathers.  It would be a great read aloud in conjunction with any unit on Ben Franklin.

Recommended for ages 9 - 12.

Mrs. Archer's Rating:  5 of 5

1 comment:

  1. I love that book. Once I read the chapter about BF going swimming and having his clothing stolen to 3rd or 4th graders, and several of them read the book after that.

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