Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2.11.15

I am excited to join Alyson Beecher and other friends in this weekly challenge.  Finding great nonfiction picture books isn't a challenge anymore, there are so many wonderful books to be read now!  The challenge is sharing them with as many people as possible so they can find this wealth of literature to share with our young readers.  Thanks to Aly for starting this weekly link-up and thanks to all who join in!

Ben Franklin's Big Splash:

The Mostly True Story of His First Invention

by Barb Rosenstock

I had seen this book on a few blogs, but just finally got my hands on it.  I knew it was about Ben Franklin and an invention of his, but not much else.  I was thrilled to see it focused on his first invention, was swim fins and paddles.  Seeing as this is an invention I use 2-3 times a week, I was intrigued!  With my daughter being a swim fanatic, I knew this nonfiction book would be one she might read!  

I enjoyed reading about Ben Franklin's early tenacity and how he went about thinking about a problem.  He analyzed, contemplated and pondered before working on his experiment.  When it didn't go right, instead of being frustrated and giving up, he went back to the small details and thought about how to change things.  What a great lesson on perseverance.

Barb Rosenstock always makes her nonfiction reads interesting by adding something to the story.  This time she adds some "s" alliterations - using words like "slid, stripped, squirmed, shed, splashed, slipped, sloshed, squirting, spurting, spouting."  I think her texts can be used to learn something new, but also as a mentor text for writing.

I was thrilled to meet Barb Rosenstock at ALA Midwinter.  She personalized the book for my daughter and was a pleasure to speak with.  Barb's recent books include The Noisy Paint Box and The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became American's Hero, and Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library.  All fantastic picture book biographies!  Be sure to check these books out.