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Cheer Up, Ben Franklin!
Can this Founding Father find a friend? Historians of all ages will love this humorous introduction to the incredible beginning of America! Ben Franklin is sad. No one has time to fly kites with him today. Betsy Ross is busy sewing a flag. Alexander Hamilton is busy counting money... Can this founding father find a friend? This colorful and humorous board book primer features some of the most prominent figures of the American Revolution―from George Washington and Abigail Adams to Paul Revere and Thomas Jefferson―and introduces historians of all ages to the signing of The Declaration of Independence and the incredible beginning of the United States of America. Includes a timeline of the American Revolution and mini-biographies of all the historical figures featured!
28 pages, Board Book
Published July 4, 2017
759 people want to read
About the author
Misti Kenison
17 books28 followersMisti Kenison is a web/graphic designer and owner of MK Design. She is the author and illustrator of a new series of baby board books, the Tiny Traveler series. As a new mom, she believes strongly in encouraging literacy at a very young age, and hopes that this series will be a great tool for other parents to do so as well. Misti, her husband, and their two children live in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 18, 2017
RTC
This unbiased review is based upon a copy won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
This unbiased review is based upon a copy won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
July 22, 2022
SPOILER: he's happy now :)
July 31, 2020
This humorous board book introduces tots to some well-known figures of early American history.
May 18, 2017
I looked at this as a digital copy, but I assume it will be published as a board book? I think it is a very weird way to introduce small children to American history, giving them only the briefest stereotypes of historic figures.
September 12, 2017
A very simple read about Ben Franklin. Easy for even the littlest ones to understand. I loved the interesting factoids about other historical figures at the end of the book.
October 23, 2017
Review originally posted on my blog,
Nine Pages
.
While certainly marketed for toddlers, this book could be appealing and helpful to readers of all ages. In one sentence each, Kenison highlights some of the major players in the American Revolution, the ones that kids will hear more about later in school textbooks. Much if not all of the context is removed, but context is not the point, and for those who want to delve deeper, there’s a paragraph for each character in the back as well as a timeline showing the characters’ parts in the American Revolution. Instead of making this a story about a war, this is a story about Ben looking for a playmate. He wants to fly his kite, but everyone is busy. Betsy Ross is sewing a flag. Alexander Hamilton is counting money. Paul Revere is riding his horse. In the final pages, everyone meets back up, John Hancock signs his name, and they all celebrate with fireworks. I’ve fallen in love with these simple, bright illustrations and these simple illustrations of important figures. I like that women and people of color are included too. Where’s Your Hat, Abe Lincoln? is the next in this series. I'll be writing a review of that hopefully soon.
While certainly marketed for toddlers, this book could be appealing and helpful to readers of all ages. In one sentence each, Kenison highlights some of the major players in the American Revolution, the ones that kids will hear more about later in school textbooks. Much if not all of the context is removed, but context is not the point, and for those who want to delve deeper, there’s a paragraph for each character in the back as well as a timeline showing the characters’ parts in the American Revolution. Instead of making this a story about a war, this is a story about Ben looking for a playmate. He wants to fly his kite, but everyone is busy. Betsy Ross is sewing a flag. Alexander Hamilton is counting money. Paul Revere is riding his horse. In the final pages, everyone meets back up, John Hancock signs his name, and they all celebrate with fireworks. I’ve fallen in love with these simple, bright illustrations and these simple illustrations of important figures. I like that women and people of color are included too. Where’s Your Hat, Abe Lincoln? is the next in this series. I'll be writing a review of that hopefully soon.
August 8, 2018
From the Young Historians series for children comes a book all about Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin.
Poor Ben, no one can fly a kite with him today, Betsy Ross, Sam Adams, and George Washington are all too busy doing other things. Thankfully for Ben, when he goes to Independence Hall, his friends are there to sign the Declaration of Independence. Now Ben is happy and celebrates the Nation’s Birthday.
Simple, sweet and to the point, this small board book quickly highlights the importance of Benjamin Franklin, as well as some of his friends. With quick lines such as: “Betsy Ross is busy sewing a Flag,” young readers will quickly learn the roles which made each person significant in our history. The learning continues with the exaggerated glossary and timeline in the back.
Bright, vivid, colors and thick pages, makes this book a perfect beginning read for any historian fan’s little readers.
you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my syndicated printed newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice, as well on my Instagram: amy_fortheloveofbooks.
Poor Ben, no one can fly a kite with him today, Betsy Ross, Sam Adams, and George Washington are all too busy doing other things. Thankfully for Ben, when he goes to Independence Hall, his friends are there to sign the Declaration of Independence. Now Ben is happy and celebrates the Nation’s Birthday.
Simple, sweet and to the point, this small board book quickly highlights the importance of Benjamin Franklin, as well as some of his friends. With quick lines such as: “Betsy Ross is busy sewing a Flag,” young readers will quickly learn the roles which made each person significant in our history. The learning continues with the exaggerated glossary and timeline in the back.
Bright, vivid, colors and thick pages, makes this book a perfect beginning read for any historian fan’s little readers.
you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my syndicated printed newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice, as well on my Instagram: amy_fortheloveofbooks.
June 3, 2017
Wonderful basic intro to characters of the American Revolution. Poor Ben has no friends available to fly kites with him. They are all busy doing iconic activities - sewing a flag, rallying troops, etc. But when he reaches Independence Hall, he finally finds all his friends and an activity they can all do together. Each two-page spread features a different historical figure, including: Betsy Ross, Sam Adams, Paul Revere, Abigail Adams, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton. Within Independence Hall we also see Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock. There are brief biographies of all the characters as well as a timeline of major events from 1773-1801 in the back of the book.
The illustrations show iconic features of the characters - Ross with her sewing, Franklin's receding white hairline, Washington's uniform, and Revere with his lantern and horse. Between the images and the brief text for each spread, the book is a quick and easy read - perfect to introduce the historical period, or read just for fun.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The illustrations show iconic features of the characters - Ross with her sewing, Franklin's receding white hairline, Washington's uniform, and Revere with his lantern and horse. Between the images and the brief text for each spread, the book is a quick and easy read - perfect to introduce the historical period, or read just for fun.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
November 18, 2020
1. None
2. Prek-1
3. This book introduces 13 historical founding figures one coming on each page. The book gives a hint of what people did on their page such as riding a horse and dumping tea and does it in a way that young children can understand.
4. Personally, I loved this book. I think that it is so important for children at a young age to be introduced to the history and this book does just that. I loved that this book gave subtle facts and hints of what each person did so that the children could understand it but also not be overwhelmed.
5. This book would be great to use in a lesson about the fourth of July to help young children have an idea of how America came to be what it is today. This book breaks things down into a very understandable way for young children so this would be a great read aloud for this type of lesson.
2. Prek-1
3. This book introduces 13 historical founding figures one coming on each page. The book gives a hint of what people did on their page such as riding a horse and dumping tea and does it in a way that young children can understand.
4. Personally, I loved this book. I think that it is so important for children at a young age to be introduced to the history and this book does just that. I loved that this book gave subtle facts and hints of what each person did so that the children could understand it but also not be overwhelmed.
5. This book would be great to use in a lesson about the fourth of July to help young children have an idea of how America came to be what it is today. This book breaks things down into a very understandable way for young children so this would be a great read aloud for this type of lesson.
May 21, 2017
Kenison, Misti Cheer Up, Ben Franklin! BOARD BOOK. Sourcebooks, 2017. $10.
Ben Franklin is looking for a friend to help him with his experiments, but all of his friends are busy doing other things to prepare for the birth of the nation.
I had to concentrate on the people instead of being bugged by the faulty timeline of this board book. It’s really just meant to introduce the iconic actions of famous people from the Revolutionary War era with a short sentence. There is a little paragraph in back about each person. This might make a cute gift for an American history teacher or such.
Pre-K – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Ben Franklin is looking for a friend to help him with his experiments, but all of his friends are busy doing other things to prepare for the birth of the nation.
I had to concentrate on the people instead of being bugged by the faulty timeline of this board book. It’s really just meant to introduce the iconic actions of famous people from the Revolutionary War era with a short sentence. There is a little paragraph in back about each person. This might make a cute gift for an American history teacher or such.
Pre-K – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
July 7, 2017
'Cheer Up, Ben Franklin!' by Misti Kenison is a board book for young readers with elements of American history included.
Poor Ben Franklin. He has no one to fly his kite with. Paul Revere is out riding his horse. Sam Adams is having a tea party. He decides to go to Independence Hall. Will he find his friends there?
My first thought on reading this was that the timeline was all messed up, but the book includes a handy timeline so that you can discover when Paul Revere rode and when the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's a really cute board book and I loved the easy to view illustrations.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Poor Ben Franklin. He has no one to fly his kite with. Paul Revere is out riding his horse. Sam Adams is having a tea party. He decides to go to Independence Hall. Will he find his friends there?
My first thought on reading this was that the timeline was all messed up, but the book includes a handy timeline so that you can discover when Paul Revere rode and when the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's a really cute board book and I loved the easy to view illustrations.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
May 4, 2017
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review- all thoughts are my own.
You are never too young to learn about history, and this book takes the idea and runs with it! Through the use of very brief vignettes of other important historical figures in American history, this book tells the story of Benjamin Franklin and how the country was formed. The artwork is absolutely adorable and simplistic, and the story is easy to follow. Overall, I recommend the book for any young child interested in history!
You are never too young to learn about history, and this book takes the idea and runs with it! Through the use of very brief vignettes of other important historical figures in American history, this book tells the story of Benjamin Franklin and how the country was formed. The artwork is absolutely adorable and simplistic, and the story is easy to follow. Overall, I recommend the book for any young child interested in history!
June 27, 2017
What a wonderful teaching tool for toddler to K students. My preschooler loved this book and my first grader loved reading it to him. My 3rd grader listening to my 1st grader reading asked question about some of the iconic american's mentioned in this book.
If you are looking for a cute way to introduce iconic american's, this is the book to get.
If you are looking for a cute way to introduce iconic american's, this is the book to get.
September 18, 2017
Bought this book for my nephew, who from 8-12 months thought it was the greatest book. My sister repeatedly complains that she's reading it (and has memorized it). Comparing it to my nephew's other favorite books, they've realized he likes the repetitive sentence structure and the bright colors of the illustrations.
November 3, 2017
Fantastic entry to history for young children. Enjoyed by both my five and one year old. Sure, It's simplistic...but do you want a dissertation for your preschoolers?! I'm actually surprised at how much the author does include, given the target audience. Not only your standard historical figures.
January 3, 2018
For a board book, this book had a lot of relevant information at the end about the founding fathers. The concept of the book was very simple, but the information and time line at the end of the book was beneficial. This is a very good book for introducing young children to American History legends.
October 16, 2025
This is the first book my child had memorized. I have now read this book 200 times because they were obsessed with it. Historically - it's fine! My toddler now knows that governments need a treasury and who Abigail Adams is, so who am I to complain that they showed her attending The Continental Congress?
July 15, 2017
After reading this great book I think my ESL students will benefit from it. They will be learning American history in a simplified way. The illustrations are great as well and the mini biographies in the back of the book are also helpful. Great read for the little ones!
July 24, 2017
Board book. Based in fact of their roles in history, Ben Franklin is looking for someone to play with and every historical figure has his or her excuse. Hilarious. Really. Great for all budding patriots.
August 15, 2017
Excellent board book introducing many historical figures. Franklin is sad because he doesn't have anyone to talk with. Alexander Hamilton is busy counting money, George Washington is busy rally troops, etc.
April 27, 2022
This is a great book for kids who are beginner readers. It also provides good information in the back of the book for kids who are higher up in reading.
6 Traits: Presentation
DRA:12
Lexile: 420-650
6 Traits: Presentation
DRA:12
Lexile: 420-650
May 8, 2017
Simplistic approach to introducing American historical figures
July 24, 2017
Haha really cute, fun for your little historian
August 7, 2017
This was so much cuter than I thought it would be! Also it has a nice little timeline in the back so it's also very educational.
February 9, 2018
Funny and weird. The illustrations really get me... maybe because it almost has a South Park vibe? The content won't matter to babies, but parents should get a kick out of it.
March 9, 2018
This board book greatly amused me.
July 7, 2018
Quick, fun introduction to names in American History for the youngest book lovers.
May 1, 2024
Poor Ben Franklin! Great book for butterball to learn some historical figures
May 2, 2021
This is a great little book for kids just learning to read, but also provides great information in the back of the book for those kids who are higher up in reading. It's short and sweet, but the information is cute and engaging for the most part.
DRA: 12
ATOS: 1.0-1.9
6 Traits: Presentation
DRA: 12
ATOS: 1.0-1.9
6 Traits: Presentation
March 29, 2021
Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews