Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos

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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)

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

A MOUSE TALE ON TWO CONTINENTS.......2007-06-26

Lawson's 1939 spoof of the life of Benjamin Franklin in his elder years proves delightful literary fluff and a quick read for kids of all ages. It may even serve as a spring board to true history in middle school. This easy introduction to the Colonial era will entertain elementary schoolchildren with its mouse's eye view of Philadelphia and of France. Having decided to make his way in the world, though not too far from his extensive family who reside in penury in a church Vestry, Amos moves in with an inquisitive and enterprising older gent named Ben Franklin. Despite the vast difference in size--and seeming incompatibility of species--these two great minds are able to converse with ease.

The clever houseguest credits himself with much (unrecognized)
inspiration for the author of POOR RICHARD'S ALMANC. Amos shares his more opinions and suggestions on a variety of topics: the printing press, the portable stove, lightning, electricity--in fact he actually helps Ben prove that they are one and the same phenomenon. (Apparently spectacles were invented Before Amos moved in.) The only time their staunch friendship is seriously threatened is when Ben betrays mouse trust and his own word by using the little fellow in a dangerous meteorological experiment.

This humorous version of Ben's later years culminates in a mock preview of the French revolution (on a mouse scale, of course). The unfortunate result? the American diplomat was banned from the palace of Versailles, but what matter, so long as Sophia's family was rescued and reunited. It is truly amazing how mouse lives parallel human endeavor... By the time of Ben's 81st birthday Amos--ever the bachelor--is content to relax and enjoy the antics of the younger generation. He figures that Ben is old enough to manage his affairs pretty much on his own. The moral seems to be: When a man is not smart enough to assume the credit, a Mouse may boldly step in!

Book Report - Ben and Me.......2007-04-29

I read the book Ben and Me. This book is interesting. In the story, a lonely, rude, gray mouse named Amos finds Benjamin Franklin's house and sleeps in it. Amos becomes Benjamin's only pet and together they make their own, hot, big Franklin Stove. One cold, stormy, night Benjamin puts Amos on his big kite so Amos keeps getting shocked by lighting. Then, Amos and Benjaman go on a huge, wooden, brown ship to Paris and they become famous. A nice, pretty, girl rat named Sophia tells Amos that there are children stuck under the queen's throne. Amos calls all of the other mice in Paris to go save the children and together they do. I learned some interesting facts. I learned that Benjamin Franklin invented something called the Franklin Stove. I also learned that Benjamin Franklin had a gray mouse named Amos. Then, I learned that Benjamin loved inventing new machines. I would recommend this book for three reasons. First, I would recommend this book because it is well written with plenty of the adjectives. Second, I would recommend this book because it tells you a lot of information about Benjamin Franklin and his mouse Amos. Finally, I would recommend this book because it tells you what Benjamin Franklin liked to do when he was alive. Ben and Me is a great book to read.

Ben and Me.......2007-04-15

ISBN 0440420385 (which now belongs to another book) - Really well-done, tongue in cheek "biography" of Benjamin Franklin, a man who is "undeniably stupid at times", according to Amos, the mouse, whose brilliant ideas seem to be all that stand between Franklin and certain death with his crazy experiments.

Amos, oldest of 26 children, comes from a family of church mice. Knowing how hard it is to feed such a brood, Amos sets out to try to find some way to help his family and stumbles into the home of Ben Franklin. Ben is sneezing away in a room thick with smoke from the fireplace until Amos gives him almost every detail Ben needs to create the famous Franklin Stove. Thrilled to have such a great mind at hand, Franklin works out an agreement with Amos and the two go on living and working together. When the Revolutionary War takes a financial toll on Washington's army, the two go to France to borrow from the French and Amos is able, with a great deal of help, to save one beautiful female mouse named Sophia and her seven children. After this final adventure, Amos is ready to settle down to a quiet life in his old age and thinks Ben should, too.

The back cover says the book is for ages 8-12. I think it might be a little tough for 8 year olds, with a large number of big words, but it's amusing enough that an 8 year old might make the effort to learn the words and expand their vocabulary. For the parents who worry about every little word in every book their kid reads, there's a couple disparaging "stupids" and one sentence that has Ben Franklin "tossing off" a shot of brandy. For those who just want their kid to enjoy a book and learn new words, this one's WELL worth it.

By Mr. Dude Man.......2007-03-23

There are many boring, dull biographies on Benjamin Franklin. Then there is Ben and Me written by Robert Lawson, which is not the case. It is a Mr. Lawson calls it "A new and astonishing life on Benjamin Franklin as written by his good mouse AMOS."
It starts out in Philadelphia, where Amos, the oldest mouse of a huge family, leaves home in search of food and shelter. Bitterly cold, he stumbles upon Ben Franklin's house, goes inside and spots Ben Franklin's fur cap to warm up in. Ben notices him, but instead of shooting him, he enjoys Amos' company. After being together a little while Amos has already come up with a successful idea for an experiment for Ben, which was later named the "Franklin Stove".
Ben now thinks that this little mouse would be a great (talking) animal to have around the house for as an assistant. Next thing you know they are making an agreement where Ben will provide just what he was looking for ¬¬ food for him and food delivery for his family, plus the old warm fur hat to hang out in. And all the mouse has to do is hanging out and make comments, or as Ben calls it to "give advice."
It sounds like an ideal plan for Amos until two things happen. Ben takes up electrical experiments and Amos becomes the testing guinea pig. On one occasion Ben attempts to find out if lighting is electric. Amos was then strapped to a kite in the middle of a thunderstorm. He was up there for about a half hour to find out. His answer was `yes'.
It was a great book where Amos, the little mouse follows Ben through his life. I would recommend this book to anyone 6-10 years old.

Cornwall,NY sixth Grader.......2007-03-08

I am a sixth grader.The book I read was "Ben and Me".I find this book very interesting for the fact that such a well known inventor got ideas from a mouse.The mouses name was Amos.This is one of those books that if you read the first chapter,your going to want to read more.

This books is about Ben Fraklin and his best friend whom was a mouse named Amos.Amos lived in a broken down old christ church with twenty-six other kids in his family.This story takes place in the city of philadelphia.One day amos decided he had enough of his life.So he went out into the world and happend to go in Ben Franklins house.Amos and Ben become very good friends and bond alot because they only had each other.

This book tells a classic story.You should read it some time.

JP

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin

Average customer rating:

Very nice book!
Disappointed
Now & Ben
Big Ben
My children loved it!!!

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
Gene Barretta
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805079173
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Book Description

What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, youd set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight savings time, and invented bifocalsall inspired by his common sense and intelligence. In this informative book, Gene Barretta brings Benjamin Franklins genius to life, deepening our appreciation for one of the most influential figures in American history.

Customer Reviews:

Very nice book!.......2007-07-06

This cleverly written and nicely illustrated book was enjoyed by my son, and taught me several things about Ben Franklin I didn't know! It shows how Ben's cool ideas are still in use today, without feeling like a history lesson.

Disappointed.......2007-01-09

For the price that I paid for the book I was expecting much more. The book had good information but few pages. It would be better if it were printed as a soft cover book and the price reduced considerably!

Now & Ben.......2007-01-07

This book has great illustrations. The students I teach spent time looking through all of the details. The stories are accurate and include a fun sense of humor. Students from grade 4-6 also enjoyed the book.

Big Ben.......2006-05-24

Ben Franklin's probably the #1 subject of picture book biographies that cross my desk. He's picturesque -- both visually and as a bio subject. This is the first book I've chosen to review, however, because of its clever format and quirky execution.

On one side is "Now" -- the modern amenities we take for granted, such as odometers, second hands, bifocals, lightening rods and even public libraries. The "Ben" side shows Franklin puttering, tinkering, and hunkering down over his inventions, which include all of the above, plus charting the Gulf Stream, organizing the Post Office, and all that fun with lightening and kites and stuff.

Such a clever fellow, that Ben!

And that's not even getting into his statesmanship and political thinking, which the author treats lightly to focus on the man's inventive genius.

The "Now" side of the page is perky and vibrant in bright blues, while Franklin's 18th century half is awash in faded siennas, the color of aging documents, except for Ben in his blue coat, creating a visual link between our era and his.

I know from the brief time I lived in a Philly suburb how omnipresent are the many reminders of the man's influence, from Indepedence Hall to the Franklin Museum. The city's infused with awe for the man who was arguably our nuttiest Founding Father. But aren't the oddballs the ones you most want to know?

Like Barretta, a Philly resident, you won't be able to resist getting better acquainted.

My children loved it!!!.......2006-03-25

My children (ages 6 - 10) loved the story of Ben Franklin. They enjoyed learning of Ben's inventions and it was fun to talk about how they have evolved over time. The children especially loved the last scene depicting how things will evolve as they grow older. The illustrations and colors on every page were great for the imagination and provided so much insight to every part of the story. Great Job. A+

Average customer rating:

Great subject for a children book.
Great fun!
Terrific!

Who Was Ben Franklin? (Who Was...?)
Dennis Brindell Fradin
Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0448424959

Book Description

Ben Franklin was the scientist who, with the help of a kite, discovered that lightning is electricity. He was also a statesman, an inventor, a printer, and an author-a man of such amazingly varied talents that some people claimed he had magical powers! Full of all the details kids will want to know, the true story of Benjamin Franklin is by turns sad and funny, but always honest and awe-inspiring.

Customer Reviews:

Great subject for a children book........2007-03-25

Great subject for a children book. I got this series of books for my daughter and she really enjoyes reading them. Great read and educational too.

Great fun!.......2007-02-02

I read this book to my kids and they were completely engaged from cover to cover. Wonderful information is packed into this entertaining book with great illustrations. This book inspired several discussions and projects in our house and we all agree it is a must have for any home library.

Terrific!.......2003-05-04

I bought this book for my students reading about the American Colonies and Revolution. I didn't feel that I knew enough about Ben Franklin and needed to learn more. My students were facinated about him because he was an inventor and did the experiment with the key and the kite to learn about electricity. I learned so much from this book that I had never known before and the readabilty level is perfect for my students. I can't wait to share this book with them!

The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments: A Franklin Institute Science Museum Book

Average customer rating:

The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Exp

The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments: A Franklin Institute Science Museum Book
Franklin Institute Science Museum , and Cheryl Kirk Noll
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471076384

Book Description

Learn about science the same way Ben Franklin didâby performing incredible experiments!

Ben Franklin, the famous patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was also America's first great scientist. At a time when science was a mystery to most people, he performed incredible experiments that revealed amazing facts about light, heat, sound, electricity, the weather, and other aspects of the natural world.

Now the enormously popular Franklin Institute Science Museum shows you how to do your own exciting experiments Ben Franklin's way. He used common objects such as cooking oil, a glass bottle, or pieces of colored cloth to chart the Gulf Stream, predict the weather, or measure how much a molecule weighs. Using inexpensive, easy-to-find items, you'll discover how to:

Build an optical toy shop, including a prism, kaleidoscope, telescope, and periscope
Make a weather station with a working barometer, hygrometer, and other homemade meteorological instruments
Create an orchestra with flutes, water chimes, maracas, and a guitar you make yourself
Build your own printing press and print documents on paper that you make in your own paper mill
Perform these and dozens of other experiments at home, in the classroom, or as science fair projectsâand enjoy the fun of it

The Franklin Institute Science Museum was built in 1934 in Ben Franklin's hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first hands-on science museum ever, it offers people a chance to learn about science by experimenting with hundreds of exhibits, including a 20-foot model of the human heart, a 350-ton steam locomotive, and a working weather station.

Customer Reviews:

The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Exp.......2003-07-19

As a homeschool teacher I find this book a great tool for simple, yet effective experiments. The book contains detailed information about a variety of science subjects, including: weather, electricity, light and sight, paper and printing, etc.

Average customer rating:

Ben Franklin
Great Modern Adaptation of the Real Autobiography
A marvel of clarity and insight ...
Still Fresh and Relevant
For all entrepreneurs

Ben Franklin
Benjamin Franklin , and Blaine McCormick
Manufacturer: Entrepreneur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1932531688

Book Description

You are holding the only modern adaptation of Benjamin Franklin's 18th century autobiography. It is at its heart one of the greatest business stories ever told.
The most versatile Founding Father was a husband, a father, a writer, an inventor, a statesman, a fundraiser and a military leader. But in his mind, he was first and foremost a businessman. Franklin's captivating adventures include his almost single-handed responsibility for establishing the first media empire, the first public library, the first fire brigade, the University of Pennsylvania, the first book club and the first franchise - all of which are detailed within these pages with Franklin's characteristic mix of humility and pride.
Franklin chronicles his own story, from his early days growing up in colonial Boston to his retirement from printing and growing involvement in national politics. It was during these years that he honed his management and leadership skills, acquired a fervent distaste for tyranny of all types, embraced a strong set of morals, and developed an uncompromising work ethic. From the moment he fled his tyrannical master and set himself up as a printer in Philadelphia, all who came into contact with Franklin recognized his destiny.
His wisdom transcends the ages - and his life lessons are insights are as compelling today as ever.

Customer Reviews:

Ben Franklin.......2007-07-15

Ben Franklin: America's Original Entrepreneur is the modernized version of Ben Franklin's autobiography. Though extremely intriguing and interesting in its own right, the original biography was written in a rather disjointed way in the natural language and voice of the times. These aspects make reading the original autobiography difficult while reducing the powerful messages contained in this important man's life. I believe the author has done a tremendous job of reorganizing Franklin's musings and updating the text into modern English so that Franklin's true messages are clearly understood.

As I read this book, I keep thinking that this was a man who would have been interesting to meet. He was steadfast in his values of integrity, humbleness, thriftiness, and a strong work ethic. Yet, he continually tried to better himself and the world around him.

I was also surprised at the number of interesting things that Ben Franklin had accomplished that I didn't even realize he was involved in. For instance, I hadn't realized his part in setting up the first public library, fire department, and militia in Philadelphia. I also hadn't realized that this man's talent for gently but firmly guiding projects to completion without being in the spotlight. I think that says something extremely important about his character both in his daily life and business affairs.

Great Modern Adaptation of the Real Autobiography.......2007-03-18

This is a great modernized adaptation of the real autobiography.
There are some areas that could have been better,
but no one can ever completely communicate the intensions of the original.

I almost gave it 4 stars -- but I gave it 5 because the minor flaws
are off-set with the great format and organization of the book.
The original is not as well organized as this one.
I recommend reading both versions for greater understanding of this unique life.

A marvel of clarity and insight ..........2006-05-17

As with all of Blaine McCormick's work, "Ben Franklin" is a marvel of clarity and insight. McCormick is a thoughtful writer with a deft hand for both language AND research -- a rare combination. I recommend this highly not just to people to are interested in Franklin, but to people who are interested in the United States ... how we got where we are today.

Still Fresh and Relevant.......2006-04-18

An innovation! The entrepreneurs at Entrepreneur Press have created a new product... a marvelous gift book (graduations come to mind, but there are birthdays, holidays, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, take your daughter to work day, etc.). The advice is timeless, and the story inspiring!

Changes in the English language and gaps in our understanding of its historical context make the original inaccessible to many. Blaine McCormick has isolated the vignettes of Franklin's story, modernized his words and introduced each segment with just the right amount of background. Aphorisms from Poor Richard decorate the margins. The paper and print type and color suggest the time in history.

Franklin is wonderful and honest. He tells us how to negotiate, debate and change other people's opinions. Long before sensitivity training, Frankin taught the importance of people skills.

For the marketers at EP, I have a suggestion. Reduce production costs, rework the annotations and produce a paperback for international distribution. I've taught English abroad, and the ESL high school and adult learner would love this work! They are saturated with shortened versions of Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes and other primarily British classics, but they memorize Martin Luther King speeches for fun and competition. These students could benefit from this positive presentation of the fundamental philosophy that built the US as well as the wonderful advice of the man I consider to be our most beloved founding father.

For all entrepreneurs.......2006-04-04

When we think of Ben Franklin, we generally think of him holding a kite in a thunderstorm or his witty sayings under the name Poor Richard.

What we forget that Ben Franklin arrived in Philadelphia with just over a dollar in his pocket and went on to become one of the most successful businessman of his time. More importantly for all of us, he became a very successful contributor to the lives of others.

One of the real benefits of the book is Franklin's "Plan to Achieve Moral Prefection". He soon realized that prefection was not possible, but striving for prefection guaranteed success. Follow that plan and you guarantee your own success.

As an added benefit to reading all about what and why Franklin did the things he did, you get a great refresher course on early American history.

The book is well written and very enjoyable to read. It is also very enlightening.

Professor McCormick has taken the original work and made it easy and interesting to read. There are thousands of self-help books on the market today. Why not learn from America's original entrepreneur and a great teacher. If you study and learn the principles of Franklin's success, you will have gone a long way to insure your own.

What's The Big Idea, Ben Franklin? (Paperstar)

Average customer rating:

Ben Franklin's Fooling Around
A Very Brave Man
Excellent book to keep interest!
A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History
If You Like Action Read This Book

What's The Big Idea, Ben Franklin? (Paperstar)
Jean Fritz
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0698113721

Customer Reviews:

Ben Franklin's Fooling Around.......2006-01-12

Benjamin Franklin fooled around a lot. It wasn't because he was lazy; he had a strong curiosity to find out things, and he did. But once he knew something, he didn't fool around. He knew he didn't want to work for his brother, so he left. He knew England was wrong to tax the colonies the way they did, so he told them so. He knew how to invent things that others needed, so he did. This was Ben Frankilin. Read of the little and big events in his life.

A Very Brave Man.......2005-12-13

Ben Frinklin was very smart,brave,and curious. He thought of inventions and did many experiments. He was brave because he did dangerous experiments. He was curious about different inventions, that is why he did all his experiments.

Excellent book to keep interest!.......2003-02-18

I was so impressed with the descriptive wording of this book. I'm not a normal biography reader, but this worked perfectly for my 3rd graders. It held there interest, made them laugh, and actually taught them something! A great read for all ages.

A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History.......2002-01-31

This is a fun book that shopuld help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

If You Like Action Read This Book.......2000-12-13

This is a good book because it has good facts about Ben Franklin. This has a varity of experiments in it. But the greatest one of all is where Ben tries to see if lightning is electricty. Ben makes history in this book. This book is written by Mrs. Jean Fritz. I hope you enjoy this book.

Poor Richard, 1733 an Almanack: For the Year of Christ 1733

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Poor Richard's Almanack
Ben's wisdom
Ben. Franklin humor
PoorRichards Almanack
American Classic Must Read for All

Poor Richard, 1733 an Almanack: For the Year of Christ 1733
Ben Franklin , and Richard Saunders
Manufacturer: Applewood Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1557095671

Book Description

Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack was first published in 1733. Facing heavy competition from similar publications, Franklin took the unusual and controversial approach of injecting witty, unexpected entries between standard tables of tides, planetary motion, weather predictions and other facts. In the debut edition, faithfully reproduced here, he included under the heading Principal Kings of Europe, "Poor Richard, an American Prince, without subjects, his wife being Viceroy over him, born October 23, 1684, age 49." The Almanack went on to become the most popular book of it's kind in colonial America and was published annually for the next 25 years. This facsimile offers a unique and entertaining look at 18th century American life and humor. This facsimile edition of the original Poor Richard's Almanack, representing the first year of its publication, offers a unique view into the lives and thoughts of Americans who came almost three centuries before us. This book will be offered in an affordable format, so that it can be made available for historians of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

Poor Richard's Almanack.......2007-09-30

Love this book. I am a fan of Benjamin Franklin. He is so witty and thoughtful. I also like Henry David Thoreau.

Ben's wisdom.......2007-03-23

Ben's wisdom (or interpretation) are unmistakeable. Wonderful to look at inside and out.

Ben. Franklin humor.......2007-02-21

Relatively short book filled with wit and brief advice (comments) on a variety of topics, definately a lighter and easier style than the autobiography and with more humor.

PoorRichards Almanack.......2007-02-13

Timeless. I read at least a page a day and when I get to the end, start again.

American Classic Must Read for All.......2007-02-11

Benjamin Franklin was a genius and a Renaissance Man. All of these sayings are wise and many are funny. I think this should be required reading for everyone in junior high or high school.

Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)

Average customer rating:

Awesome book!!!
AMAZINGLY AMAZING BOOK BOB 21
WOW!
GREAT BOOK!!!
MY BOOK REVIEW BY THE COSMIC GENIUS

Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)
Frank Murphy
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375806210
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Book Description

A funny, entertaining introduction to Ben Franklin and his many inventions, including the story of how he created the "magic square." A magic square is a box of nine numbers arranged so that any line of three numbers adds up to the same number, including on the diagonal! Teachers and kids will love finding out about this popular teaching tool that is still used in elementary schools today!

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book!!!.......2005-10-17

I love this book! It introduced me to magic squares. Sometimes they're hard but not always. I read the book in 3rd grade. We were doing math groups and Mrs. Wrigely said" Today we are doing Magic squares."
What is a magic square?" I asked.
"It is 9 cubes that all have to equal the same number." Mrs. Wrigely
And that's how I was introduced to magic squares. I recommend this book for kids 6 and above. I think that because some words may be a little challenging for kids that are 5 or 4.

Mitchell S. 4th grade

AMAZINGLY AMAZING BOOK BOB 21 .......2005-10-15

I THINK BEN FRANKLIN AND THE MAIGIC SQUARES IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK FOR KIDS. AND MAYBE PARENTS TOO. I READ MOST OF HIS BOOKS. HE WAS MY TEACHER IN 4TH GRADE. HE IS A VERY GOOD WRITER I THINK. HE WRITES AMAZINGLY AMAZING BOOKS. HE IS A REALLY GOOD TEACHER.

RYAN .B
HOLLAND

WOW!.......2004-11-22

what other book can make math interesting? and funny? Mr. Murphy has done it once again with his fabulous work! A++++++++++++!
-Stephanie
Connecticut

GREAT BOOK!!!.......2004-11-21

I thought that ths book was really good! I thoght it was so interesting!! Mr.Murphy is my math teacher... and he is amazing at teaching!!! He did very well with all of the writers craft in it. In class for Language arts he encourages us to use writers crafts and he actually uses them in this book!! This book is very interesting for adults who are interested in math and Ben Franklin. It is also a great book for children who are interested in math and Ben Franklin!! I love math because it is so interesting and because I have a great math teacher!!
[...]

MY BOOK REVIEW BY THE COSMIC GENIUS.......2004-09-28

This book was great for kid's teenagers and adults. What I'm trying to say is that this book is suitable for all ages. I think elementary teachers should read this to their students. This book is great to teach kids about the past and how inventions are still used today, in different ways. I learned how Ben Franklin invented most of the instruments we use today; like the stove, bifocals, flippers and many other inventions. I encourage you to buy this book if you have young kids or not.

Scott G(...)

Average customer rating:

If you are in a management postion, you need this book.
Outstanding Read
Synthesis of good management practices, not history
Understandable to a new business venturer
One of the better "Manage by Hero" books

Ben Franklin's 12 Rules of Management
Blaine McCormick
Manufacturer: Entrepreneur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1891984144

Book Description

Pulled from his autobiography, this entertaining and thought-provoking book explores the innovative management principles Franklin pioneered and reveals how today's business owners and managers can use those principles effectively.

Customer Reviews:

If you are in a management postion, you need this book........2007-01-09

Blaine has given us the essential principles that are the essence of the business man, Ben Franklin. We are very familiar with many of the aspects of Franklin's life. We forget that, above all, his sucesses came from important principles he utilized. These are still valid today. It is about time someone has addressed the business side of Franklin. This is a MUST READ for everyone in business.

Outstanding Read.......2005-05-21

I think it is important to understand who writes these reviews and where they are coming from. I am a Team Leader for a 70 member real estate firm. Therefore anything that can help me better manage 70 independent contractors is well worth the read. I found this book to be exceptional because (1) it kept my interest peaked, (2) it contains a lot of great quotes and theories, (3) it reinforced what I am doing right and (4) more importantly, provided me with food-for-thought about how I can do a lot more things better. I intend to use Ben Franklins method of concentrating on just one "trait" per week and then grade myself on how well I advanced the concept during the week until I work my way through all 12 Rules. Should be an interesting couple of months. I highly recommend this book to anyone in management or who is interested in business.

Synthesis of good management practices, not history.......2003-03-11

This book is an interesting read, as it uses Ben Franklin, one of the most celebrated characters in history, to give substance to certain abstract concepts relating to good managers and leaders.

In many ways, it is a very pragmatic book, even Machiavellian. For example, Franklin made sure people had an impression of his being a hard worker, by keeping his lights on till very late and by making sure people saw him leaving his work very late. Translated to today's world, such a rule could be translated into the realm of "face time". Like this one, the rules in the book are timeless.

My only concern about the book is the limited historical scope of it. It focuses on the period before Franklin got involved with politics and the revolution, so the more interesting parts of his life are not present. When I grabbed this book, I was expecting both a management lesson and a history one; forget the history one.

One should keep in mind the title of the book: 12 Rules of MANAGEMENT. That is very accurate, and it is clear that those rules are focused on management and NOT leadership. If you are looking for good manager advice, this is a very good book.

Understandable to a new business venturer.......2001-12-19

After reading McCormick's book, being a first year business student, I had no trouble at all understanding the points made in each chapter. I thought the overviews at the end of each chapter made the vital points clear and helped me follow along with what McCormick was trying to convey to his readers.

Not having too much business experience, I can say that after reading this book, business is definitely something I want to look further into.

One of the better "Manage by Hero" books.......2000-07-24

I have a weakness for reading every management book that tries to teach management concepts by relating the ideas to an historical hero. I've read management by Lincoln, Grant, Lee, Achilles, and even Star Trek characters. They all follow the same format and for the most part do does McCormick.

One significant difference, however, is that McCormick recognizes and cautions the reader from applying Franklin's rules willy-nilly. Yes, a lot of the moral training Franklin tried to push in the 1700's would equally apply today but the environments do differ.

I, too, read Franklin's autobiography many years ago. This book makes Franklin's ideas much more reachable by the masses but I liked the poetic syntax and cadence of the original Franklin. It's like hearing a story from your grandfather rather than hearing a second-hand version from your brother.

Nevertheless, I liked the book and will be thinking about and trying to exercise the points for many weeks to come.

Average customer rating:

Great book to read every day

Every day in every way we are getting a little bit better

Ben Franklin's Almanac of Wit, Wisdom and Practical Advice

Informative, useful, and fun

Ben Franklin's Almanac of Wit, Wisdom, and Practical Advice: Useful Tips and Fascinating Facts for Every Day of the Year
Editors The Old Farmer's Almanac
Manufacturer: Yankee Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0899093892

Book Description

his delightful mixture of anecdote and illustration that serves up over 1,000 ingenious time- and money-saving tips presented in a handy day-by-day almanac Ben Franklin's down-to-earth philosophy is as timeless today as it was when he penned his first almanac in 1746. With his curious mind, good-hearted spirit, and natural wit, he amused and edified the public with his countless inventions and sensible advice. Now Yankee magazine, publishers of the ever-popular Old Farmer's Almanac, have come up with a perfect book that illustrates how Franklin's frugal, ingenious ideas still apply to life today. Each page is designed to give a daily record of historical facts, household tips (how to clean your windows most efficiently, how to wash sneakers, how to clean rust from a bicycle chain), delicious seasonal recipes, gardening advice, kitchen hints, amusing folklore and quotations, and, of course, Franklin's incomparable words. Ben Franklin's Almanac of Wit, Wisdom, and Practical Advice is a wonderfully entertaining collection that gives the reader Franklin's blueprint for life and the tools to build it.

Customer Reviews:

Great book to read every day.......2006-02-25

This Book is great to read for anyone with an inspired mind, I love the fact that you can read one page, full of facts each day of the year. Highly recomended.

Every day in every way we are getting a little bit better .......2006-02-13

Ben Franklin exemplifies one kind of American spirit. The historian Daniel Boorstin said that the greatness of America was in the small improvements it continually provided to everyday life, the spirit of invention. Ben Franklin built a lot of different kinds of better mousetraps, including bifocals, the postal service, and a whole way of thinking about improving the self day - by- day.
This Almanac is compiled in his spirit and contains many examples of his wisdom. It also is chocked full with practical advice for homemakers,and home- improvers.
Old Ben also had a sense of humor on occasion with his wisdom. "Fish and visitors smell after three days he told us" And when were in trouble we can always think of Ben's advice "Any port in a storm"
Some of the stuff here may seem corny , trite , boring . But different strokes for different folks as they say , and there is enough here for 'everyman' to get a little advice and a little
enjoyment of.
Happy Sunday, Monday ,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday , Saturday.
And Gut Shabbos.

Ben Franklin's Almanac of Wit, Wisdom and Practical Advice.......2005-09-26

Excellent. Many practical suggestions and lots of sound advice.

Informative, useful, and fun.......2005-04-03

I'm surprised that no one has reviewed this book, since it's very useful and entertaining, easy to read, and inexpensive.

There's one page for each day of the year. On one side of each page are facts about that day (famous birthdays, events). At the top of the page is a quote from Benjamin Franklin on some principle (saving money, etc.) with some illustrative biographical information from Franklin's or somebody else's life. At the bottom is practical advice for the home and garden, from cooling the house to storing cheese (wrap in wax paper, not celophane, because the live cultures need to breath). It usually takes only a couple of minutes to read a page.

I've had the book on my kitchen table or in other place that you regularly visit for a few minutes every day. It's a well-edited and well-designed book and reasonably priced. I'm planning on giving copies as gifts because it's cheap and I can't imagine anybody not enjoying some aspect of it, either from the household hints, the principles, or the daily facts.

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