Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin

Now & Ben compares present-day technology and innovations with Benjamin Franklin's original inventions and ideas from the 1700s. The book presents side-by-side illustrations showing modern versions alongside Franklin's early prototypes and concepts. Gene Barretta's illustrations and text demonstrate how Franklin's creative solutions to everyday problems laid the groundwork for many objects we use today. Each spread features a specific invention or innovation, from bifocals to swimming fins, connecting Franklin's work to its modern evolution. Through a blend of history and science, this picture book reveals Franklin's impact as an inventor and innovator rather than focusing on his political career. The parallel structure between "now" and "then" creates clear connections across centuries of progress while highlighting Franklin's foresight and practical genius. The book's format underscores themes of innovation, problem-solving, and the lasting influence one person's ideas can have on future generations. Its approach makes complex historical and scientific concepts accessible to young readers while celebrating American ingenuity.

Readers appreciate how the book connects Franklin's inventions to modern-day items children use, making history relevant and relatable. Parents and teachers report the illustrations help students grasp complex concepts. What readers liked: - Side-by-side comparisons of past and present - Clear explanations suitable for grades K-4 - Engaging artwork that supports learning - Works well for classroom discussions What readers disliked: - Some found the text oversimplified - A few noted minor historical inaccuracies - Limited coverage of Franklin's political work Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (524 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (156 ratings) "Perfect for teaching invention units," noted one teacher reviewer on Amazon. A school librarian commented, "Students return to check this book out multiple times." The book earned the 2007 Carolyn W. Field Award and appears on multiple elementary school reading lists.

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🌟 Benjamin Franklin was the first person inducted into both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the US Chess Hall of Fame. ⚡ The bifocals Franklin invented were initially called "double spectacles," and he created them around 1784 to avoid constantly switching between two pairs of glasses. 📚 Author Gene Barretta has created educational books about other inventors and innovators, including Thomas Edison and Leonardo da Vinci, using a similar past-and-present comparison format. 🔬 Franklin's invention of the glass armonica impressed Mozart and Beethoven so much that they both composed music specifically for the instrument. 🗞️ The political cartoons Franklin created, including the famous "Join or Die" snake image, are considered among the first examples of editorial cartoons in American history.