John, Paul, George & Ben

Lane Smith is an illustrator who has collaborated most famously with Jon Scieszka ("The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!" "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," the Time Warp Trio series), as well as illustrating books by Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss and Jack Prelutsky. Here, he gets by without a little help from his friends, penning and picturing the Four of the Fab Founding Fathers: John (Hancock), Paul (Revere), George (Washington), and Ben (Franklin). Too bad Ben wasn't famous for his decorative rings. The Beatles need NOT be familiar to your young reader or audience. IN fact , despite the obvious titular reference, Liverpudlian references are not the M.O. here. Sure, there's a great parody of the "Abbey Road" cover, showing the foursome crossing a street. In addition, they have cultish, slightly outrageous, and often independent, irrepresible personalities, and Lane Smith quotes briefly from the Beatles "Revolution." THere's also a fifth "Beatle," Thomas Jefferson, quieter and more studious than the rest (perhaps even moreprecocious than the rest), but certainly a heavier hitter than Ringo's predecessor, Pete Best. So, your kid(s) are going to like this book, maybe love this book, whether or not they've ever heard of "Strawberry Fields." Lane Smith is as inspired a writer as he is an illustrator. Other reviews mention the jokes--I'll just summarize: THey're hilarious! Smith takes some well-known factoid from their adult years (Ben's never-ending quips, Paul's LOUD, irreverent comments, etc.,) and shows these behaviors in their childhood years, often to the annoyance of peers, teachers, and other adults. THe old chestnut about George's honesty over that cherry tree is a good example of the liberties and outrageous fun of Smith's skewed biograhies: George's father exclaims to his son,"you have paid me for it (the hacked cherry tree) a thousand-fold with your honesty." "Really!" said George. "In that case...when I tell you I've taken out the apple orchard, leveled the barn, and made kiddling of your carriage, you'll be a wealthy, wealthy man." TO balance out the silly stuff, Smith includes a few pages on the adult accomplisments of the five men, as well as a clvere section that separates fact from fiction about each of them. It's a brilliant concept; these are iconic American figures, each with their own mythology. I see no harm in continuing and extending those myths, especially when Smith incudes some factual material for those interested. Kudos, as well, for the illustrations, too. They look period-authentic in composition and style. The pictures look like period pieces with their age, cracked backgrounds, and Smith also uses typeface of the era. THe veneer of authenticity and Smith's talent for mimickry produce some beautiful prictures, but they're still full of a humorous pictorial style that's keenly attuned to kids. This 2006 book is an early entry in my list of top kids' books I've reviewed in 2007.

My boys (7 and 5), my wife and I think this book is total gas. Plus, we do something unique when we read to our kids: We TALK about the books! "J,P,G & B" has opened up lots of great conversations about real history with our sons. They "get" that Paul Revere didn't sell underwear, but played a pivotal role in our nation's beginnings. And they understand that Ben, George, John and Tom are bona fide American VIPs. (And I'd say it's a safe bet that at least Ben knew how to laugh at himself.) Lighten up, folks -- life's too short to miss out on good, clean giggles!

John, Paul, George & Ben (and did I mention Tom?) by Lane Smith is a great book for kids. It deals with historic characters: John Hancock - you can read his signature from space! Paul Revere - he had a loud voice (because of bad hearing) George Washington - overly honest? Ben Franklin - free with advice (Townsfolk suggestion, "Please shut your big yap"). Tom Jefferson - well, he was an independent lad! The art is nifty, the organization wonderful. This is not as poetic as Dr. Seuss, but children should find it just as entertaining. Why? Because John, Paul, George & Ben (and Tom) were kids before they became historically important figures. I also like the true and false section at the end. Here's an example: "Besides inventing clever sayings, Ben also invented bifocals, the Franklin stove, the lightening rod, and Playstation..." True, except for Playstation! This is a great book to give to your favorite child.

I wavered between a four star and a five star rating because this book is going to be perhaps more entertaining to adults than to children. But then I reminded myself of the movie "Ice Age" which requires a whole lot more knowledge to "get it" than the vast majority of kids have (not to mention, many adults) and yet kids, including my five year old granddaughter, love it. What this book does give is little snippets of information which the kids will remember as they are officially learning their history years later. And there is plenty of humor to go around. What little tykes can resist laughing at the phrase "please shut your big yap" when it isn't being yelled at them but rather at someone famous! I think this is the sort of book that children will want to hear again and again, and the good reader will fill in a blank here and there so that the listeners can learn some real history along the way. Finishing off the session by listening to "Yellow Submarine" wouldn't hurt either.

it's hilarious, visually stimulating, and enough of the true fable of these guys to still make sense and make learning history nearly-cool. (well, the book is cool enough so the "nearly-cool" is negated.) (even the dedication is great... "with a little help from my friends..." so brilliant.) well done, mr. smith. i love it love it love it.