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Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos Paperback – April 30, 1988

by Robert Lawson (Author)

4.8 603 ratings

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This classic tale from Newbery- and Caldecott-winning author and illustrator Robert Lawson tells the story of a little mouse—and his good friend, American icon Ben Franklin.

Did you ever wonder where inventors get their ideas? Benjamin Franklin is one of the most famous inventors in American history, and according to this amusing book, he got most of his ideas—the good ones at any rate—from a mouse!

Funny, interesting, and wise, Ben and Me is a timeless American story that has been read by generations of young people. Once you've met Amos the mouse, you'll always remember Benjamin Franklin a little differently than the history books do.

This beautiful edition of award-winning author Robert Lawson's well-loved tale features bonus material, including a map of Ben Franklin’s travels!

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From the Publisher


	Ben and Me	Mr. Revere and I	Mr. Popper's Penguins

Customer Reviews	603	137	4,727
Price	$6.74	$6.34	$17.19
More classic tales from Newbery- and Caldecott-winning author and illustrator Robert Lawson	An amusing, timeless tale about famous American inventor Benjamin Franklin and his tiny friend, Amos the mouse.	A historical novel about Paul Revere and how didn’t make his famous midnight ride alone, but with his trusty mare, Scheherazade.	The childhood favorite story of a house painter who suddenly finds himself with twelve penguins living in his house.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In A New and Astonishing Life Of Benjamin Franklin As Written by His Good Mouse AMOS, young readers will discover that while the good Mr. Franklin got considerable credit, many of his most important contributions really originated with Amos, a less-than-humble rodent. Oh sure, his manuscript was found by author-editor Robert Lawson and published first in 1939, but discerning readers ever since have figured that it's the mouse who's the fellow with the ... tale. (For ages 10 and up with a sense of humor)

From Publishers Weekly

The remarkable life of old Ben Franklin is related with wit, warmth and wisdom by Amosa mouse who has a way with words. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Robert Lawson (1892-1957) was an award-winning storyteller who wrote and illustrated more than fifty books for children. The first author-illustrator to win both the Newbery and Caldecott medals, he is best known Rabbit Hill, They Were Strong and Good, and illustrating Mr. Popper’s Penguins. His last completed work was The Big Wheel.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Ben and Me

A New and Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin as Written by His Good Mouse AmosBy Robert Lawson

Little Brown and Company

Copyright ©1988 Robert Lawson
All right reserved.
ISBN: 9780316517300
chapter 1

Linus Hoppe sat on the third level of the Zip, pinching his nose. The other passengers seemed oblivious to the vanilla fragrance that permeated the train car, but Linus couldn't get used to it. The sickly-sweet odor clung to his clothes and, worse, made him feel ill. He knew that something had to be done to cover up the foul-smelling vapors emanating from the subterranean Industrial Zone, but why had vanilla been chosen? Linus couldn't help wondering if the senior managers of the Trans-Urban Company had ever ventured into the transportation system since they'd decided to install the air fresheners.
The train glided noiselessly through the tunnels. Beyond the windows, there was nothing to see for miles, just darkness dotted at regular intervals by the glow of the small light fixtures on the tunnel walls. Back in the early 2000s, the train used to emerge into the open air right after leaving Paris. But today the regulations were much stricter, and any potential blight on the landscape was buried deep underground. The old railroad tracks had become places where people went for leisurely strolls.
Linus flipped open his pocket computer. The trip to his suburban station lasted twenty minutes, giving him ample time to go over the day's courses.
"Hello, Linus, my little cookie!" the computer blared unexpectedly.
Linus quickly lowered the volume as several people turned to look at him. He smiled at them, slightly embarrassed. Once again Chem had played one of his practical jokes. Not a day went by without Linus's hacker friend tampering with his programs. This time the joke was harmless, but the other day Chem had nearly wrecked Linus's touch-sensitive screen.
"Honestly, Chem," Linus had said to him, "why don't you target someone else?"
Chem had laughed into his scarf. "Anyone else would beat me up!" he'd said. "You're the only one at school who still has a sense of humor!"
Linus sighed. Chem was right: ever since the beginning of the year, the mood in school had deteriorated daily. Students glanced at one another suspiciously, they worked furtively in their own little corners, and classrooms were like battlefields. Not that there was any physical violence; after all, no one wanted to get expelled from the system. Instead the attacks were underhanded, with countless wounds to self-esteem, strings of petty intrigues, psychological bruises, and mental aggressions. In this arena, humor was definitely out of place.
"They're scared stiff," Chem kept grumbling to Linus. "The end-of-year exam is driving them all crazy."
Linus could relate. The end-of-year exam was all he could think about too. In three months, he was going to be tested by the Great Processor. The outcome would determine his future. A score of 150 or higher guaranteed he would remain in Realm One--where his life would barely change. He'd continue living at home, with his parents and his sister, Mieg, who had scored 185 two years before, and he would pursue his studies in the city. Later on, he'd receive fantastic bank loans to buy a house in the Protected Zone, and he'd be promoted to a position of responsibility, as his parents had. A score of less than 150, on the other hand, would have consequences he couldn't begin to imagine. One thing was certain: he would have to leave his home in the Protected Zone.
But Linus knew he had nothing to fear. With minimal effort, he was always among the top students. He had never had any problems with his teachers, had never been reprimanded, and had hardly ever been absent. According to his parents, the exam was a mere formality.
Still, Linus thought, accidents happen.
For several months, the word accident had been popping up in his thoughts regularly. The word didn't refer to a concrete reality; it simply sprang to mind unexpectedly, simultaneously frightening and tempting, much like a plane ticket to an exotic destination.
Having been completely absorbed in his thoughts, Linus realized he no longer had time to go over his courses. The train would be stopping in five minutes. He shut down his computer.
"See you soon, Cookie!" mumbled the synthetic voice.
Linus couldn't help smiling. Chem was an unbelievable prankster, but in spite of his jokes, he was also the best friend Linus had at school. The trouble was that by overplaying the rebel, Chem risked not being admitted into the best realm. Everyone knew that insubordinates were sent to Realm Three, where they endured a special treatment--one that involved a mixture of iron discipline and bullying. The ones who knuckled under were reevaluated, with the luckier ones reinstated in Realm One. As for the others, no one knew what became of them. But the teachers' threats had no effect on Chem's attitude. He persisted in folding his arms and smiling arrogantly. When Linus expressed worry, Chem boasted, "I can do whatever I want with the Great Processor. Don't forget, Cookie, I'm a computer genius! If I choose to, I can bust its circuits!"
Looking out the window, Linus caught sight of the halo of light from the approaching station. He shook his head. Of course, Chem was bragging. No one had ever succeeded in outwitting the Great Processor.
Linus buttoned up his jacket, put his computer away in his backpack, and headed to the first level of the train. The doors swished open and Linus stepped out onto the platform. No more vanilla scent here. He could breathe through his nose again. Relieved, he swiped his ID card through the slot at the gate.
"ID: Linus Hoppe. Authorized access into the Protected Zone. Good evening," said the electronic voice at the gate. Making his way through the crowd, Linus headed toward the elevators.
"Hey, Linus!" a familiar voice called to him from behind.
It was Mieg, his big sister, coming home from school too. She caught up with him, smiling and happy as usual. Over her long curly black hair, she wore a red hat with the insignia of the HIA, the Higher Institute of Architecture.
"Did you have a good day?" she asked, kissing Linus on the cheek.
"Not particularly good or bad. There were no fries at the cafeteria, poor Iona got another lousy grade in biotech, that moron Rodrigo made Marny cry, and Chem fiddled with my programs again. Routine, as you can see."
Mieg frowned. "You're very blase for a fourteen-year-old!"
Linus shrugged. The elevator had arrived. They were pushed along by the crowd cramming into it.
"Unlike you," Mieg said, "I was very excited the year of my exam. I worked hard, but it was fascinating. You don't seem to realize how much it's worth the effort."
Linus looked down at his feet and all the feet around his. From the shoes alone, he could tell that the people surrounding him lived in the Protected Zone. Theirs was the simple, clean, and comfortable footwear of the elite.
"Are you listening to me?" Mieg asked, slightly annoyed.
"Sorry, I'm tired."
The elevator doors opened. Again, Linus let himself be carried by the flow of humanity, happy to breathe the cold, dry air outside.
"You'll take a restorative bath when we get home," Mieg said, adjusting her hat. "Then I'll make you one of my tasty vitamin-enriched shakes. Okay?"
Linus nodded. He started walking along the edge of the sidewalk, his nose in the air. Between the bare branches of the trees, he saw that the winter moon was rising. Everything was quiet. The only sounds were the clicks of window shutters being rolled down, the mewing of a cat, laughter, and the notes of a piano coming from an artist's residence.
"There's no better place on earth. Don't you agree?" Mieg murmured as she noticed that Linus's mind was elsewhere.
They walked the rest of the way in silence, each appreciating the artificial serenity of the Protected Zone.

From the Hardcover edition.

Continues...
Excerpted from Ben and Meby Robert Lawson Copyright ©1988 by Robert Lawson. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Republished in 1988 edition (April 30, 1988)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 114 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316517305
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316517300
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 11 years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1010L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.5 x 7.65 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #45,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Children's United States Biographies (Books)
- #21 in Children's Colonial American Historical Fiction
- #783 in Children's Classics

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4.8 603 ratings

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David C. Freeman

A Tail For The Next Generation To Enjoy History

Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2008

Verified Purchase

Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos This was the book that started my youthful enjoyment of both history and becoming an avid reader. The tail of Ben Franklin's mouse, Amos, who gives him all the help he needs in inventing his now famous inventions and the founding of our nation is a timeless story. A fine start to give any child who shows an inkling of interest in history, or one whom you would wish be encouraged to do so.
It may be confusing for those too young to separate fantasy from fact, but the story is memorable enough, and cute and funny enough, to be picked up more than once in any one childhood, and will undoubtedly be properly inculcated as the allegory it is meant to be. Children will undoubtedly finally understand what a great and interesting man he was. And the humour makes the story enjoyable and palatable rather than a dry, dreary assignment from a school-teacher. And those old enough to understand on the first go around will take both characters in the book, Amos and Mr. Franklin, to heart, on friendly terms and most probably be driven to learn more. Of course, it can always be shared with a parent or other adult who can explain the difference for those too young to understand the difference on their own. Another great habit,...to read with a child.
I must mention that even as an adult, although I obviously read deeper histories these days, that this book is still in the back of my mind as I do so, as a memory of the impetus for me to begin my lifelong voracious habit of reading.
One should also note that the same author has a book by "Paul Revere's Horse", written in a similar voice and vein. Reading one means the child read a fun and decent book, having read two, it may be the beginning of a lifelong habit that can only improve one's life.

12 people found this helpful

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stacy

A Classic

Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2023

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A wonderful children’s book to add to your child’s collection. This book is suitable for 3rd to 4th grader students and homeschool families. It is a classic historical non-fiction novel narrated by Amos the mouse, and his adventures with Benjamin Franklin.

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Evie

An enjoyable read for ALL children great and small!

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022

Verified Purchase

Wonderful classic! I enjoyed re-reading this timeless classic with my granddaughter. She has learned a great deal about Benjamin Franklin and his "inventions." We still laugh at one scene in particular, but I won't spoil it for you. Read it for yourself. It is a thought provoking and humorous story line, as such as life is!

Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2023

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I got it in the mail and enjoyed it. It arrived a day earlier than suggested. It was every bit as entertaining as I’d remembered from childhood.

Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2015

Verified Purchase

I purchased this book for my son's 5th grade assignment. It had some really cute moments, but could also get a smidge boring in a few parts as well. It's a relatively short book, however, so we were able to get through it in just 2 days, which was nice. Overall this was a cute book, which held our attention.

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Anonymous

Fun book

Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022

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My son read this book very quickly and really enjoyed it. Being from the perspective of a mouse made it fun and educational.

Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2022

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My daughter read this book for school. It was very cute and well written!

Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2021

Verified Purchase

Ordered for my kid to use for virtual school. Came
In fantastic condition. Kiddo loved the story. He’s in 3rd grade and the book is a bit advanced reading level (but he goes to accelerated school). Very pleased with how quick it arrived

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Top reviews from other countries

Badger Fam

Well written and lots of fun!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2021

Verified Purchase

This is an amazing children’s book with a fresh perspective on American history. My kids loved the mouse, Amos. Well written and lots of fun.

snowflake

My favourite inventor of all time

Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2016

Verified Purchase

My favourite inventor of all time. Again, this was a purchased as a gift for my grandson. The story written by a mouse is a sure appeal to a young reader.

C. Dorman

Great living history book - funny!

Reviewed in Canada on July 30, 2015

Verified Purchase

This book is a historical fiction, humorous living book about Benjamin Franklin. Our whole family really enjoyed reading it together and I'd highly recommend it for families looking for engaging, high quality literature.

Amazon Customer

A good story

Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2019

Verified Purchase

An excellent book for a budding reader.

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