Ben Franklin His Wit And Wisdom From A – Z

Posted on November 2, 2012 by admin Leave a comment

By Alan Schroeder

Illustrated by John O’Brien

If you are contemplating reading this book or have it in hand, it tells two things about you. You are a reader, and you want to learn about Ben Franklin. It does not matter that you are a third grade reader or an adult. The strength of the book lies in the fact that all ages will enjoy it.

The illustrations add such verve to the text. “Never leave till tomorrow what you can do today” is one of Ben Franklin’s aphorisms. Well, guess what? Even an animal takes it to mind. Multi-tasking farmer, multi-tasking horse chomping on an apple TODAY.

There is the worthy citizen running after happiness — “The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself”, the squirrel with his hoard of nuts — “Save and have”, the piggy bank puffed up with pennies – “A penny saved is a penny earned”. Adults will laugh out loud at the picture of the revenue collector in England reaching out across the ocean into the pockets of citizens of the colonies.

The facts are just as fascinating. Did you know that Ben Franklin drew a seating chart to prove that he had lunch with King Christian? Or that he printed money for the colonies of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey? The author has done an amazing job finding fascinating facts about the fantastic Ben Franklin, each appropriate to the relevant letter of the alphabet.

Indeed the combination of format (an almanac format to write about the author of Poor Richard’s Almanack), facts and illustrations make this a thoroughly enjoyable read and a fitting tribute to Benjamin Franklin. It would bring honor to any reading list.

Additional Resources:

Biography of Ben Franklin: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/index.htm

Inventions, Discoveries and Improvements: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/inventions.htm

Franklin and his Kite Experiment: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/kite.htm

Fun With Franklin: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/fun/index.htm