Ben Franklin's Big Splash: The Mostly True Story of His First Invention [Paperback]

Here is the story of Ben Franklin's first invention, his journey through the scientific method, and the surprising successes that result when you're willing to make mistakes.

Every inventor has to start somewhere, and one of the greatest innovators in our history was no exception. Ben Franklin developed his first invention while doing what he loved best: swimming!  Barb Rosenstock's rhythmic, whimsical style is the perfect complement to S. D. Schindler's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations. Together they recreate history in an engaging and unique way. Both author and illustrator worked closely with Franklin experts, and the book includes Franklin quotes, an extensive author's note, timeline, and bibliography.A National Science Teachers Association, Best STEM Book

★  . . . The alliterative, sibilant text is a rollicking read to share aloud with young students . . . The watercolor and ink artwork conveys joy and motion, with young Ben splashing into the water, gleefully trying out his fins. An extensive bibliography, source notes for quotations, and a time line of Franklin's life add to the veracity and strength of this story. This is a fun introduction to one of the nation's founding fathers and a solid addition to collections needing a different perspective on this American icon. --School Library Journal, starred review

★  Is another picture book about Ben Franklin really needed? The answer is yes, as unlike many of its predecessors, this one takes a fresh approach by focusing on a single childhood fascination--swimming. . . Emphatic, alliterative verbs accentuate both his enthusiasm and his methodical nature. . . The finely detailed ink-and-watercolor illustrations, varying type sizes and colors, and clever page design effectively an delightfully depict this significant American sclc�