This fall I was initiated into the world of Benjamin Franklin picture books. Here are my reviews of seven of them, arranged by publication date.
Benjamin Franklin by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire (1950)
The d’Aulaire’s biography of Franklin was published much earlier than all the other books I came across. It’s a detailed narrative with specific anecdotes and descriptions that bring Franklin to life. The soft illustrations are half in colour and include page borders with sayings. This book does not include any author’s note or additional information. Recommended for ages 8 to 10.
The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin by James Cross Giblin, illustrated by Michael Dooling (Scholastic, 2000)
Here is another fairly long biography. The writing is good and the illustrations are realistic paintings. It includes a timeline, descriptions of inventions, sayings from Poor Richard’s Almanack, list of historic sites associated with Franklin, bibliography with source notes, artist’s note, and index. Recommended for ages 10 to 12.
How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning by Rosalyn Schanzer (Harper Collins, 2003)
This picture book focuses on Franklin’s inventions, especially the lightning rod. It conveys a lot of information and clearly shows Franklin’s accomplishments and influence. The cartoonish illustrations fit the fun, conversational writing style. An author’s note tells even more about Franklin, including a list of his scientific work. Recommended for ages 6 to 10.
Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta (Henry Holt, 2006)
The content of Now and Ben is similar to How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning, but each two-page spread compares one of Franklin’s inventions to the way it is used today. The illustrations are fun and colourful. It also inspires by conveying Franklin’s influence and vast accomplishments. No author’s note. Recommended for ages 6 to 10.
John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith (Hyperion, 2006)
I’ll say straight up that I didn’t enjoy this book, but it’s rated highly on Goodreads so the humour must be to other people’s taste! John, Paul, George & Ben is an irreverent look at the Founding Fathers: John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Kids may be amused, but they will only get the jokes if they know some history (and references to the Beatles). The illustrations are a blend of antique-looking and cartoonish. A portrait of each man appears at the end, along with a true or false quiz to “set the record straight.: Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by Robert Byrd (Dial Books, 2012)
Electric Ben is a fairly long biography, covering Franklin’s life as a writer, scientist, inventor, and politician. Each two-page spread has a heading and several illustrations with captions that provide more info about Franklin and his times. Detailed illustrations bring the time period to life. An author’s note discusses Franklin’s unfinished autobiography, the author’s intent and method in writing this book, and explanation of the illustrations. A bibliography includes sources for young readers and visual sources for the illustrations. Recommended for ages 10 to 12.
Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Iacapo Bruno (Candlewick Press, 2015)
This picture book focuses on one incident in Franklin’s life — his investigation into the methods of Dr. Mesmer, who was healing people by putting them into a trance. The book explains the scientific method and placebo effect. It’s a lively story with text that uses different fonts and sizes for dramatic effect. The illustrations are humourous and detailed with vivid facial expressions and fancy banners. This is definitely a fun way to teach some history and science. There are several pages of author’s notes about Franklin and Mesmer, the historical context, and science, as well as a list of sources. Recommended for ages 7 to 11.