School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-This introduction to Benjamin Franklin's proverbs is arranged in a consistent, pleasing, and structured manner. Franklin's maxims are divided into chapters based on moral principles, such as "Tranquility," "Humility," and "Moderation." Franklin's well-known adages ("Honesty is the best policy," "Fish and visitors stink in 3 days"), as well as lesser-known ones ("You may delay, but time will not," "Diligence is the mother of good luck"), make good food for thought. Kostyal provides the original 18th-century saying, "Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices," along with a modern adaptation ("Look for the good stuff in other people, but check yourself for ways you could improve"). Each verso and recto complement each other, offering a proverb with two or three expository paragraphs and corresponding art. Harper's illustrations are all brightly colored and oftentimes humorous. Cartoonish yet believable, they evoke the essence of each saying. The people in the artwork are presented in proper 18th-century settings and attire. The book finishes with descriptions of Franklin's inventions, including bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove, and swim paddles. VERDICT The combination of Franklin's common sense wisdom and the fun imagery yields a good primer for personal edification.-Jeffrey Meyer, Mount Pleasant Public Library, IA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
The team behind George Washington's Rules to Live By returns to present 50 phrases coined by Benjamin Franklin that provide glimpses into his temperament, beliefs, morals, and intellect. Kostyal translates the sayings into contemporary language-"When you hang around with someone, their ways and ideas will rub off on you," she writes, explaining, "He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas"-while using them as springboards to discuss Franklin's life. In a chapter devoted to the theme of "resolution," Franklin's advice to "Learn of the skillful: He that teaches himself, hath a fool for his master" leads into a discussion of the custom of undertaking apprenticeships in Franklin's day-in his case, learning how to be a printer. Harper works in an exaggerated cartoon style that balances the biographical and aspirational aspects of the book with big doses of physical comedy. Ages 8-12. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Benjamin Franklin could be considered the most beloved of all the Founding Fathers, mostly because of his witticisms and adages that offer timeless lessons. Each chapter of this thematic biography for young readers is centered on one of his most recognizable bits of advice. For each two-page spread, Kostyal summarizes one of Franklin's main ideas in modern terms, but then extends the theme onto how it applied to Franklin's own life and times. Franklin's political attitudes, spiritual life, family, and professional activities are all discussed. His foibles are described along with his achievements, painting a nuanced look at both his persona and the formative era in which he lived. Illustrations by Harper, who cut his artistic chops drawing comics, shine as contextual support for the more abstract ideas. By casting off the traditional chronological form of typical biographies, Kostyal creates an account of Franklin's life and his philosophy that will invite young readers to make connections to their own lives and to the modern world.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2016 Booklist
