Module 11: Ben and Now: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin

Barretta, Gene. Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin. 1st ed. New York NY: Macmillan, 2008. Print.

Ben and Now, by author Gene Barretta is a short picture book about the historic figures contributions to science and society. Each invention is related with short facts as to its beginning and then compared with its modern use today. Such things as the lightning rod and the oven came from his inquisitive mind as well as the idea of having a fire brigade which evolved into the modern firefighting units. Straightforward in text and illustrated with a cartoonish feel the book is a short introduction to inventors of our American history.

I thought it was a good book for younger children – 1st to 2nd grade – and a stepping stone into more involved informational works. The book itself did not have a specific plot and organization however I did like the timeline on the inside cover pages.

I would suggest using this book for highlighting historical figures and their contributions to society in either book talks or story times the appropriate age group.

Review:

Auerbach, Barbara. "Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin." School Library Journal 52.3 (2006): 206. Web. 6 May 2011.

Grade 2-5–A clever, concise introduction to the contributions of this colorful colonial figure. The first spread depicts Franklin standing proudly by his family home with his wife and children smiling from within. His various occupations–writer, printer, diplomat, musician, humorist, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humanitarian–are written on the cobblestones beneath him. Next is a spread of a busy city street today, which challenges readers to guess which modern conveniences are owed to the subjects creativity. Subsequent spreads take a closer look at each invention from political cartoons, bifocals, electricity, lightning rod, and Franklin stove to daylight saving time and more. Each spread features a Now… description of a modern concept or convenience facing an early Ben… idea. Now…every automobile has an odometer to measure the distance it travels. Ben…invented the odometer when he was postmaster general so he could measure his postal routes. The fanciful final spread depicts a futuristic scene with flying-saucer vehicles and robot servers, which encourages youngsters to imagine how todays inventions will evolve in time. Engaging and humorous watercolor cartoons depict just how Franklins inventions were conceived and developed. The yellow mottled endpapers are filled with sketches of the inventions featured within. Both Alikis The Many Lives of Benjamin Franklin (S & S, 1988) and Rosalyn Schanzers How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning (HarperCollins, 2003) offer more background and biographical information, though this lively offering is sure to inspire readers to learn more about its fascinating subject.