Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos

Through the years some books stay with you. Some in the forefront of your memory, some sit quietly in the dusty corners, like treasure chests left by tiny pirates. Ben and Me is a treasure chest in the dusty corners of my mind. It must be 25 years since I first read it, but I recently discovered that I could tell much of the story by memory to my son who is engrossed in a Benjamin Franklin project for school. The fierce mouse battle, the towering wigs worn by the ladies of the court, Ben's old fur hat with the holes in it... so many vivid and wonderful memories. A great read for the kids who rooted for Wilbur in Charlotte's Web or those who zoomed along with Mr. Toad in Wind in the Willows. Now- where did I put my copy??

Ben and Me is a delightful biography of Benjamin Franklin written by Robert Lawson. The novel is marvelous for children. It is educational. It teaches a lot about the founding of the country and mainly about one of the men who made it possible. Ben and Me is fabulously entertaining. Amos's own adventures are thrilling, and his stories about Ben are hilarious. Any child or adult with a sense of humor will laugh at this book. Anyone who reads this book will learn while laughing. Robert Lawson was the author and illustrator of many great children's books, but Ben and Me was probably the best, and it will be around for many years to come.