Ben and Me (book)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1837 |
Ben and Me (with the subtitle An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos) is a novel authored by Robert Lawson and first released in 1939 through Little, Brown and Company. The narrative centers on Amos, a mouse who becomes an unseen counselor to Benjamin Franklin, offering guidance while concealed within his fur hat. The book presents a witty portrayal of Franklin’s notable inventions, including the Franklin stove, the kite experiment, the development of lightning rods, and his diplomatic tenure as ambassador to France. Lawson also contributed pen-and-ink artwork to accompany the text.
In 1953, Walt Disney Productions transformed the novel into a short animated film called Ben and Me, which highlights selected episodes from the historically inspired storyline.
Plot
Amos, a mouse in search of employment to provide for his family, takes shelter in Benjamin Franklin’s struggling printing business. Witnessing Franklin’s difficulties, Amos begins to offer suggestions that result in innovations like the Franklin stove and bifocal glasses, as well as aiding in launching Franklin’s newspaper.
As Franklin’s reputation grows, Amos becomes increasingly involved until the perilous kite experiment frightens him, causing Amos to depart. Later, amid the American Revolution, Franklin enlists Amos’s assistance for his diplomatic efforts in France. After negotiating terms through a formal agreement, Amos returns to aid Franklin.
While Franklin examines this contract, Thomas Jefferson arrives to compose the Declaration of Independence, drawing inspiration from the wording in Amos’s contract. The tale ends with an image of Amos depicted on Franklin’s gravestone.