Description: Ben Franklin loved to swim and, at the age of 11, he was determined to swim like a fishNwith fins and all! This fascinating and lively account of young Ben's earliest invention follows the budding scientist's journey as he tests and retests his swim fins. Includes Franklin quotes, a timeline, bibliography, and source notes. Full color.
Review Quotes: ★ . . . 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 scientist. . . As inventive as Ben himself, this presentation is awash with delight and definitely makes a big splash. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review . . . Here's a slightly fictionalized tale to celebrate one of Ben's less-heralded accomplishments: self-taught swimmer. . . The text's tone is light and optimistic. Select words and phrases appear in larger colorful type, which, together with Schindler's lively ink and watercolor paintings, gives the book a breezy feel. . . --The Horn Book Magazine