Basic facts about Benjamin Franklin’s life are presented in a welcoming format for young readers. Each two-page spread features brief text in large print with a photograph of a painting from the period. Franklin is introduced as one of our country’s founding fathers. He was born in Boston and left school at age ten for an apprenticeship in printing, but he always continued to read. His beginnings as a successful printer are followed with his contributions of starting a fire department and creating a library in Philadelphia. His wife Deborah Reed, a son that died, and his daughter Sarah, are mentioned in conjunction with his family life. Of his many inventions, only the pot-bellied stove and bifocal glasses are mentioned. Franklin helped write the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of France, and the United States Constitution. Includes a table of contents, a timeline, an illustrated glossary, and an index. A good introduction to Benjamin Franklin for young children. Part of the “Rookie Biographies” series. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.; Ages 4 to 8.
