Ben and Me

    Manufacurer/Distributor Little, Brown (1951)

    Review:
    "A new and astonishing life of Benjamin Franklin as written by his good mouse, Amos, lately discovered, edited and illustrated by Robert Lawson." While introducing the amusing and argumentative mouse, Lawson stays close to the life of Benjamin franklin, who was an early investigator of electricity. Franklin's terrifying work on lightning rods is described accurately, but with Amos assisting. The famous kite experiment with lightning is also fully depicted, but with Amos aloft in the kite. This makes it a bit more confusing, although a good story. Many details are accurate, including Franklin taking shelter in a shed to keep himself dry and decreasing the likelihood of electrocution while flying the kite. Amos claims to provide many details that enhance Franklin's memory. While this is funny, it belittles Franklin's phenomenal recall of details.

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