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

Barretta, G. (2006). Now and Ben: the modern inventions of Benjamin Franklin. Harry Holt and Company, New York.

Summary
The impact Benjamin Franklin had on today's society is more than most young readers know about until they read this book.  A colorful picture book that shows readers how many of today's common items began with an invention from Benjamin Franklin.


My Impression
I thought this book was delightful in telling how Benjamin Franklin impacted so many of today's modern conveniences.  On one page the author tells what we have today and on the opposite page shows how Franklin came up with the idea.  This is not a typical informational text, but far more entertaining and informative than first expected.

Review

2-5-A clever. concise introduction to tbe contributions of this colorful colonial figure. In the first spread it depicts Franklin standing proudly in his family home with his wife and children smiling from within. The various occupations-writer, printer, diplomat, musician, liumorist, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humanitarian-are written out in cobblestones beneath him. Next is a spread of a busy city street today. which challenges readers to guess which modem conveniences are owed to tbe subject's 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 vehicle and robot servers, which encourages youngsters to imagine how today's inventions will evolve in time.  Engaging and humorous watercolor cartoons depict just how Franklin's inventions were conceived and developed.  

Auerbach, B. (2006). [Book review of Now and Ben: the modern inventions of Benjamin Franklin]. School Library Journal, 52(3), 206.

Suggestion for Library Use
Older elementary students study inventors and inventions as per the Texas TEKS.  This book would be a nice read aloud and picture sharing book in a small group in the library.  If not used in this manner, it would be a great book for students to it in a small group and read and discuss together.