Ben and Me

I first read this in 7th grade and it has ever since been my favorite book of all times. One of the only novels I've read multiple times. Just as good in 2020s as it was in the 1990s (and the 1930s when it was written). The story of a mouse named Amos that lives in Ben Franklin's hat and is indirectly responsible for all of the good things in his life, and all the bad things where when he ignored Amos.

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!

I remember this story from when I was a kid, although I think I only saw the movie which I recall being less acerbic. The basic gist is the same, Ben Franklin's career as inventor, scientist, politician, and ambassador is aided by his friendship with a wise mouse named Amos. Turns out that seemingly every leader of the Revolution and in the French court has a mouse giving advice. There is a lot of absurdity and fun wordplay that gives this book its humor while still offering an accessible view into the life of Franklin for young readers. I read it aloud to my son and he really enjoyed it.

This is a classic, creative book, where Amos the mouse tells of his good friend Benjamin Franklin. In this story, Amos is the hero and the brains behind all of Franklin's success. It's not a substitute for a good biography of Franklin, but it will pique the interest of both those children who know little of Franklin, and entertain those with a more comprehensive knowledge already.

Quite fun! I haven't read this since I was a child. I will say that Amos is quite fond of tooting his own horn! Even if he made a mistake! I look forward to our discussion in the Vintage Book Circle group. I listened this time, but I did check out the paper copy as well. The illustrations are marvelous! Robert Lawson is a genius!

I read this in one sitting as it isn't that long of a book. I wasn't quite sleepy enough to go to sleep so reading was the ideal activity!

This is the life of Benjamine Franklin as told by Amos, a mouse. Not just any mouse, but a mouse who lived with Franklin and experienced the many events in Franklin's life.

Amos came from a family of church mice. A family of 26 siblings. Being the oldest, he decided to strike out on his own. His chance to wind up as a companion to such a famous person suited him fine.

Amos is very self-confident and feels that without his being there for many of the historic events, things wouldn't have turned out as they did. That is not to say that Amos didn't have his own adventures that were part of history. It is show more just that many of the historians don't know the true stories and Amos has written his book to set the record straight.

A fun read, complete with illustrations. It can be enjoyed by any age. show less

This is a charming book, but of course the facts are rather twisted. Still, a fun read for a young person-- just remind them that just as mice can't talk, there are other parts of the story that are not factual either.