A National Science Teachers Association, Best STEM Book

Here is the story of Ben Frankin's first invention, his journey through the scientfic method, and the surprising successes that result when you're willing to make mistakes.

Every inventor has to start somewhere, and one of the greatest innovators in our history was no exception. Ben Franklin developed his first invention while doing what he loved best: swimming! Barb Rosenstock's rhythmic, whimsical style is the perfect complement to S. D. Schindler's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations. Together they recreate history in an engaging and unique way. Both author and illustrator worked closely with Franklin experts, and the book includes Franklin quotes, an extensive author's note, timeline, and bibliography.

This book was recognised in the Younger Readers category by the Jefferson Cup.

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2014 by Boyds Mills Press .

S. D. Schindler is the popular and versatile illustrator of many books for children, including Big Pumpkin and the ALA Notable Book Don't Fidget a Feather, both by Erica Silverman, How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky, and Johnny Appleseed by Rosemary and Stephen Vincent Benet. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Barb Rosenstock is the author of the Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box , Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library , The Camping Trip that Changed America , and several others that have received numerous accolades and starred reviews. She lives in Illinois with her husband, sons, and two big poodles.