Here is the story of Ben Franklin's first invention, his journey through the scientific method, and the surprising successes that result when you're willing to make mistakes.
Every inventor has to start somewhere, and one of the greatest innovators in our history was no exception. Ben Franklin developed his first invention while doing what he loved best: swimming! Barb Rosenstock's rhythmic, whimsical style is the perfect complement to S. D. Schindler's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations. Together they recreate history in an engaging and unique way. Both author and illustrator worked closely with Franklin experts, and the book includes Franklin quotes, an extensive author's note, timeline, and bibliography.
A National Science Teachers Association, Best STEM Book
★ ". . . The alliterative, sibilant text is a rollicking read to share aloud with young students . . . The watercolor and ink artwork conveys joy and motion, with young Ben splashing into the water, gleefully trying out his fins. An extensive bibliography, source notes for quotations, and a time line of Franklin's life add to the veracity and strength of this story. This is a fun introduction to one of the nation's founding fathers and a solid addition to collections needing a different perspective on this American icon." --School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Is another picture book about Ben Franklin really needed? The answer is yes, as unlike many of its predecessors, this one takes a fresh approach by focusing on a single childhood fascination--swimming. . . Emphatic, alliterative verbs accentuate both his enthusiasm and his methodical nature. . . The finely detailed ink-and-watercolor illustrations, varying type sizes and colors, and clever page design effectively an delightfully depict this significant American scientist. . . As inventive as Ben himself, this presentation is awash with delight and definitely makes a big splash." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
" . . . Here's a slightly fictionalized tale to celebrate one of Ben's less-heralded accomplishments: self-taught swimmer. . . The text's tone is light and optimistic. Select words and phrases appear in larger colorful type, which, together with Schindler's lively ink and watercolor paintings, gives the book a breezy feel. . . " --The Horn Book Magazine
Barb Rosenstock is the author of several award-winning true stories for children: Fearless: The Story of Racing Legend Louise Smith; The Littlest Mountain, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book; and The Camping Trip that Changed America, a Parents' Choice silver medal book and one of Booklist's Top 10 Books on the Environment for Youth. She lives outside Chicago with her husband and two sons. Visit her on the web at barbrosenstock.com.
View titles by Barb Rosenstock
S.D. Schindler embraces the inventive spirit every time he illustrates a book—and he has illustrated many! An award-winning and best-selling illustrator, his recent titles include: We're Going on a Ghost Hunt by Susan Pearson, Hornbooks and Inkwells by Verla Kay, and The Unforgettable Season by Phil Bildner. His books have won a Parents' Choice Award for Illustration, a Smithsonian Award for outstanding natural history title, and a Best Book selection by School Library Journal. S.D. lives in Philadelphia. sdschindlerbooks.com.
View titles by S.D. Schindler
Here is the story of Ben Franklin's first invention, his journey through the scientific method, and the surprising successes that result when you're willing to make mistakes.
Every inventor has to start somewhere, and one of the greatest innovators in our history was no exception. Ben Franklin developed his first invention while doing what he loved best: swimming! Barb Rosenstock's rhythmic, whimsical style is the perfect complement to S. D. Schindler's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations. Together they recreate history in an engaging and unique way. Both author and illustrator worked closely with Franklin experts, and the book includes Franklin quotes, an extensive author's note, timeline, and bibliography.
Praise
A National Science Teachers Association, Best STEM Book
★ ". . . The alliterative, sibilant text is a rollicking read to share aloud with young students . . . The watercolor and ink artwork conveys joy and motion, with young Ben splashing into the water, gleefully trying out his fins. An extensive bibliography, source notes for quotations, and a time line of Franklin's life add to the veracity and strength of this story. This is a fun introduction to one of the nation's founding fathers and a solid addition to collections needing a different perspective on this American icon." --School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Is another picture book about Ben Franklin really needed? The answer is yes, as unlike many of its predecessors, this one takes a fresh approach by focusing on a single childhood fascination--swimming. . . Emphatic, alliterative verbs accentuate both his enthusiasm and his methodical nature. . . The finely detailed ink-and-watercolor illustrations, varying type sizes and colors, and clever page design effectively an delightfully depict this significant American scientist. . . As inventive as Ben himself, this presentation is awash with delight and definitely makes a big splash." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
" . . . Here's a slightly fictionalized tale to celebrate one of Ben's less-heralded accomplishments: self-taught swimmer. . . The text's tone is light and optimistic. Select words and phrases appear in larger colorful type, which, together with Schindler's lively ink and watercolor paintings, gives the book a breezy feel. . . " --The Horn Book Magazine
Barb Rosenstock is the author of several award-winning true stories for children: Fearless: The Story of Racing Legend Louise Smith; The Littlest Mountain, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book; and The Camping Trip that Changed America, a Parents' Choice silver medal book and one of Booklist's Top 10 Books on the Environment for Youth. She lives outside Chicago with her husband and two sons. Visit her on the web at barbrosenstock.com.
View titles by Barb Rosenstock
S.D. Schindler embraces the inventive spirit every time he illustrates a book—and he has illustrated many! An award-winning and best-selling illustrator, his recent titles include: We're Going on a Ghost Hunt by Susan Pearson, Hornbooks and Inkwells by Verla Kay, and The Unforgettable Season by Phil Bildner. His books have won a Parents' Choice Award for Illustration, a Smithsonian Award for outstanding natural history title, and a Best Book selection by School Library Journal. S.D. lives in Philadelphia. sdschindlerbooks.com.
View titles by S.D. Schindler
