John, Paul, George & Ben
By Lane Smith
The Story
Five mischievous lads named John, Paul, George, Ben, and the rarely-around Tom keep getting into trouble for taking a few too many liberties — until they help secure America's freedom.
Why It's Special
For the kid who thinks history is boring, here's proof that the Founding Fathers were once just rowdy little lads getting into trouble.
- Big idea: Big historical figures started out as ordinary, mischievous kids — greatness grows out of childhood trouble-making.
- Vibes: Playful, cheeky, and irreverent, with a wink at American history.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy silly, irreverent humor
- are curious about history and the Founding Fathers
- like stories with a big group of characters to keep track of
- respond well to wordplay, like liberties taken literally
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & characters: Can you name all the lads in the story — John, Paul, George, Ben, and Tom?
- Imagination: What kind of trouble do you think John, Paul, George, and Ben got into as kids?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever gotten in trouble for taking things a little too far, like these lads did?
- History connection: Do you know who these lads grew up to become in American history?
- Wordplay: The book says the lads took a few liberties — what do you think that means?
