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Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin Paperback – Picture Book, December 23, 2008

by Gene Barretta (Author, Illustrator)

4.8 261 ratings

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The inventions and inspiration of Benjamin Franklin and how they've stood the test of time

What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, you'd set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight savings time, and invented bifocals-all inspired by his common sense and intelligence. In this informative book, Gene Barretta brings Benjamin Franklin's genius to life, deepening our appreciation for one of the most influential figures in American history.

Now & Ben is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Reading age

6 - 10 years, from customers
Print length

40 pages
Language

English
Grade level

Kindergarten - Preschool
Lexile measure

640L
Dimensions

9.05 x 0.1 x 10 inches
Publisher

Square Fish
Publication date

December 23, 2008
ISBN-10

0312535694
ISBN-13

978-0312535698
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“The extraordinary sense of Franklin as a severely temporally displaced person gives [this book] its power to delight . . . charming illustrations.” ―The New York Times Book Review

“A clever, concise introduction to the contributions of this colorful colonial figure . . . sure to inspire readers to learn more about its fascinating subject.” ―School Library Journal

“Barretta leads readers from what they do know to what they probably don't . . . Read this one aloud.” ―The Horn Book Magazine

“With its breezy format and succinct text, the book delivers facts in an assuredly kid-friendly style.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A punchy read-aloud to lighten up American history units.” ―Booklist

About the Author

Gene Barretta is the author and illustrator of Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin; Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci and Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives. He is also author and illustrator of Dear Deer, which was a Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts and listed on the Parenting Magazine Mom-Tested Books of the Year List. He holds a B.F.A. in Film Studies from New York University, and has worked for many years in film and television production. He lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania with his son.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; First Edition (December 23, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312535694
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312535698
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 10 years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 640L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - Preschool
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.05 x 0.1 x 10 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #232,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #97 in Children's Inventors Books (Books)
- #131 in Children's American Revolution History (Books)
- #223 in Children's Science Biographies (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.8 261 ratings

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Gene Barretta

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Gene Barretta is an award winning author and illustrator of children’s books.

Among his honors are an NAACP Image Award nomination, winner of the Carolyn W. Field Award and the Bank Street Cook Prize Honor.

His books include, "Starring Steven Spielberg: The Making of a Young Filmmaker," "The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver," “Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin,” "The Bat Can Bat: A Book of True Homonyms," “Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare,” “Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo Da Vinci,” "Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born," “Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones,” and “Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives.”

Gene has contributed illustration and animation to Sesame Street and Between the Lions. He has also designed characters for The Jim Henson Company.

He lives in Bryn Mawr, PA.

For more information on Gene and his work, please visit:

www.genebarretta.com

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5

261 global ratings

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John W. Koch

Fantastic!

Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2011

Verified Purchase

Great, great book about a very interesting man. For a homeschool unit study we are learning all about Ben Franklin and this has been my kids' (10 and 5) favorite book we have read. The illustrations are just wonderful- you see something new each time you flip through this book. My 10 year old loves the illustrations so much that she is tracing the image of Ben Franklin right now so that she can color him in and include the image in her report!
The book begins with an illustration of Ben in the middle of a modern day city, the book ends with him standing the middle of a futuristic city. This was a great way to show the kids how much things have changed since Ben's time- and how much more they might change in our lifetime. Great book- would love to see more from this very talented author/illustrator. Plan to order his Neo Leo soon!

One person found this helpful

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Jennifer

Great book

Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022

Verified Purchase

Very informative and interesting to read. Great facts, nice to read. My 4 and 7 year olds liked it!

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Caseyk

Non-fiction Picture Book At It's Best.

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2014

Verified Purchase

Beautiful and clever illustrations more than complement the text which is interesting and captivating for older children as well as young-at-heart adults. Side-by-side pictures and text depict how Ben's ideas and inventions affected his time period and how they still do in modern times. This book is worth the price if only for the artwork or the text. One of the best non-fiction pictures books I've read and I'm a retired children's school librarian. This biography should be in every school library for children to enjoy and teacher's to share in American history.

6 people found this helpful

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Independent Thinker

A History Book Made Fun and Understandable for Kids

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2010

Verified Purchase

As I home schooling family we are always on the look out for books that teach history in a fun and exciting way. Now and Ben The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin is not only well illustrated but also made it easy for children to understand how the past directly impacts modern society. The author chronicals the many inventions of Benjamin Franklin. I would highly recommend this book for kindergarten through third grade. I noticed some reviews said that it could not be purchased in paperback but we did order it from Amazon in that format.

4 people found this helpful

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Gail Nelson

Great book!

Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2021

Verified Purchase

Interesting facts that engage young readers.

Helpful

Ohioan

Franklin's Inventions

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2012

Verified Purchase

This book focuses on the modern-day devices we use which were actually invented by Benjamin Franklin more than 250 years ago. The odometer is one example, the lightning rod another. The book is arranged so that the "now" pages and the "Ben" pages are opposite each other. The "now" pages show the inventions as they are used today, the "Ben" pages show Franklin in his time, with peers or family. Cleverly done, and kids and early-grade teachers will enjoy discussing the contents for days at a time.

4 people found this helpful

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cmigalla

Great Quality Literature!

Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2010

Verified Purchase

I am a college student studying to be a teacher. I used this book to create a social studies unit. All of my classmate looked at the book loved the pictures and quality information. There is so much to learn about Benjamin Franklin from this book and it is presented in a very fun way. Since Benjamin Franklin did not patent any of his inventions the book explains what he created and how it has transformed into something we use modern day. Love this book!

Helpful

MosMma

Must have for beginner reader library!

Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2015

Verified Purchase

My son loves this book series! We own every book. I wish there were more! My son is a reluctant reader and prefers non-fiction books. However, it is hard to find good non-fiction books for his age group, especially about history. These are beautifully illustrated, informative and fun to read books. Highly recommend for 6-7 y.o. readers! Great gift, too!

7 people found this helpful

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