Benjamin Franklin A Photo-Biography

Children's Literature - Children's Literature

It can be very challenging to find biographies suitable for very young readers. Most of the books in this genre are geared toward independent readers--the print is small, there are few illustrations, and the information is presented in a dry narrative. Finally, there is a series of "First Biographies" that aims to fill this gap. The large print is double-spaced to resemble other early reading materials, and a full-page illustration/photo is matched with each page of text. The main points of Benjamin Franklin's busy life are hit upon with little detail; however, an adult using this as a read aloud can fill in specifics when the children want to know more. A brief timeline is included, along with a glossary, suggestions for further reading, websites, and places to write for more information about Franklin. The "First Biography" series offers three additional books on history-making Americans. Although there is still room for improvement in the text, this series provides a nice introduction to biography for younger students. 2000, Morgan Reynolds Inc, Ages 6 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Carol Lynch

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-These books for beginning readers have less information than standard encyclopedia articles. Each one has a dozen pages of text in large print and less than 10 sentences per page written in overly simplistic language. Black-and-white illustrations and reproductions appear opposite each page of text. In spite of the subtitles, only Carver has photographs. Many of the suggested titles for further reading are 30-to-40 years old and are too difficult for the intended audience. While these books may fill a need, David A. Adler's A Picture Book of George Washington Carver (1999) and A Picture Book of Benjamin Franklin (1990, both Holiday) are better choices.-Jean Gaffney, Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library, OH Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.