Rereading: BEN AND ME by Robert Lawson

This wonderfully creative and funny book was written in 1939, the first authored and illustrated by Lawson. He tells of Amos, a mouse, who meets Benjamin Franklin, a somewhat bumbling writer, printer, and would-be inventor. As Amos tells it, many of Franklin’s best ideas came from him, though he allowed Ben to take the credit in exchange for a safe home and food for himself and his extended family. Amos’ advice begins with the idea that became the Franklin Stove, a great success. Franklin moved on to experiments with electricity, which Amos was not in favor of. The mouse also provided advice and information to Ben while he walked and talked with fellow citizens and politicians by hiding in Franklin’s fur hat and whispering in his ear. They even went to France together as Ben was tasked with getting that country to provide funding for the American Revolution.

The illustrations are full of period detail and charm, and the story is a hoot. Recommended.

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