The cover leads one to believe that this is a mere picture book of the great Benjamin Franklin and it *is* technically that, but it's much more really. Lavishly illustrated through out, this book is really a surprisingly detailed and rather lengthy and advanced biography. The age/grade range (ages 5 to 8, K - 3rd) listed at amazon is truly laughable. (I'll remember never to trust those numbers again.) The reading level and length is much more appropriate for upper elementary to middle school. It frustrates me that the picture book isn't a more respected form of literature for older kids. Hopefully books like this are working to change all that. That said, this isn't without some flaws. Most notably, the text leaves out some personal aspects of Ben's life (very little mention of his wife and children, for example) that I think children would enjoy and might work to further bring to life this fascinating man.
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