Ben Franklin's Big Splash

The Mostly True Story of His First Invention

By: Barb Rosenstock

Narrated by: Susie Berneis

Ben Franklin loved to swim and, at the age of 11, he was determined to swim like a fish - 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. That first big splash led Ben to even more innovations and inventions.

©2014 Barb Rosenstock (P)2015 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"...The alliterative, sibilant text is a rollicking read to share aloud with young students... 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)

"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... As inventive as Ben himself, this presentation is awash with delight and definitely makes a big splash." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"...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." ( The Horn Book Magazine)