A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin

Rosen (The Horse's Haiku) expands a segment of Benjamin Franklin's childhood to reveal his early motivations and character traits. A straightforward narrative with invented, formal dialogue follows novelty-seeking young Franklin as he tries in vain to convince his father that he's suitable for a sea-faring life. With the help of a book, he masters swimming techniques and adds his own innovations, such as swim paddles and a kite for additional speed. Tavares (Dasher) creates light-infused, multitextured digital illustrations that depict Franklin's spirited escapades in colonial Boston and more somber scenes of Franklin trying, and discarding, apprenticeships. "I fear my mind is unsuited for the craft," he says of candle making and other highly repetitive tasks. An extensive note explains the author's use of creative license, noting that the largely imagined vignettes are based on Franklin's autobiography. A brief bibliography concludes this detailed view of a Renaissance man whose young tenacity and eventual work at his sibling's print shop led to an extraordinarily varied adult life. Ages 5-9. (Mar.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-5--As a young boy, Benjamin Franklin loved swimming and dreamed of a future on the high seas. His father, on the other hand, encouraged his son to find an occupation far from the dangers of the open ocean. Franklin tried everything, from dipping candles to making shoes, but nothing held his attention for long. He crafted a kite to increase the speed of his swimming, but that didn't help him land useful employment. Finally, with his father's encouragement, Franklin found his ideal occupation: printing pamphlets and newspapers in his brother's print shop. Tavares's illustrations bring the rich world of 18th-century dockside to life and include details such as the colonial style of dress (bonnets and tricorn hats), tall ships docked in Boston Harbor, and Union Jack flags rippling in the breeze. Rosen explains the deliberate use of language and speech patterns authentic to the time period. While some children may struggle with the unfamiliar rhythm and words, the meaning of the terms become clear within the context of the narrative. However, the inclusion of a glossary defining words such as joiner, chandler, and indentures may have been helpful. That said, this book is an excellent resource for discussions of American colonial life in social studies classrooms and beyond. VERDICT History lovers will relish this glimpse into the inquisitive childhood of Benjamin Franklin.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Rosen (The Horse's Haiku) expands a segment of Benjamin Franklin's childhood to reveal his early motivations and character traits...A brief bibliography concludes this detailed view of a Renaissance man whose young tenacity and eventual work at his sibling's print shop led to an extraordinarily varied adult life.
—Publishers Weekly

Tavares's illustrations bring the rich world of 18th-century dockside to life and include details such as the colonial style of dress (bonnets and tricorn hats), tall ships docked in Boston Harbor, and Union Jack flags rippling in the breeze...this book is an excellent resource for discussions of American colonial life in social studies classrooms and beyond. History lovers will relish this glimpse into the inquisitive childhood of Benjamin Franklin.
—School Library Journal

Inspired by Franklin's memoirs, Rosen recreates young Ben's path to finding a suitable trade in this picture-book biography...Tavares' photo-realistic illustrations offer charm and fine details to this blend of history and technology.
—Booklist

History class has taught us that Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, politician, and statesmen, yet what drove him to these careers? As detailed in the Author Notes, this book is inspired by Franklin's own autobiography...The illustrations are colored drawings that provide the visual details needed to help fill in the storyline.
—School Library Connection

Before the bifocals, the lighting rod, the ambassadorship, and all the rest of his many accomplishments, Ben Franklin knew precisely what he wanted to be when he grew up: a sailor. As a child, he spends his time reading and improving his swimming skills in the nearby Mill Pond and Charles River; Tavares's expansive illustrations show him testing his handmade paddles and even being pulled through the water by a wind-filled kite, like a human sailboat.
—The Horn Book