Book Review: What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz

TITLE: What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?

AUTHOR: Jean Fritz 

ILLUSTRATOR: Margot Tomes
PUBLISHER: Puffin
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 1996 (first published 1976)

FORMAT: Softcover, 48 pages
GENRE: Biography
ISBN: 0698113721

No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found tiime to try out new ideas. Such as a remote-control lock (so he could stay in bed and lock his door), a rocking chair (which powered a fan), and a windmill (to turn his meat roaster). aside from being a man of ideas, he was an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time).

MY REVIEW: 

I read this biography aloud to my children. It is recommended for ages 8-11, but even my 4 year-old enjoyed it.

Fritz presents factual information in such a way that it is entertaining and fun! This is the second biography that we've read about Benjamin Franklin, and we think that he is the most remarkable historical figure! His inventions single-handedly changed America! From establishing the first circulating library to organizing Philadelphia's fire department, he is a truly brilliant man especially considering that he received no formal education (his father took him out of school when he was ten years old) and was largely self-taught!

We loved this biography, and we plan to read more of Fritz's biographical series! This book makes a great complement to your American history studies! 

MY RATING:

5 stars!!  We loved it! Highly recommended!!

This book qualifies as: 

#105 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#40 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#19 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#41 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge    
#41 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#13 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

View all my reviews