You'd have to have been raised with a family that ingested American History like mine to appreciate this at the age it's aimed at. But it was cute. ( )

This is yet another outstanding book written by Lane Smith and illustrated by his highly talented wife Molly Leach

As I read this book, I laughed out loud. This is so very clever, and the title alone, brings a sense of The Beatles. Yet, it is homage to those who were instrumental in the colonies breaking away from the British.

John Hancock, who was depicted through his teacher who said, his penmanship was refreshing, but egotistical because he wrote his name so very wide and large.

Paul Revere was a noisy lad who spent hours practicing the ringing of the bells in Boston's Old North Church. Paul was depicted as a bullhorn in a china shop.

George Washington was an honest lad, and in fact when the term King of the United States of America, noted they were escaping the tyranny of England, and the last thing needed was another King, thus the title President was chosen.

Ben Franklin was clever and had a saying for every situation, anywhere, any time.

Thomas Jefferson was an independent man who used this trait to write the Declaration of Independence

The clever ending pages of the book titled "Taking Liberties" outlined the record was set straight regarding the truth or false of depictions of John, Paul, George..Thomas and Ben!

It is true that John Hancock had the biggest signature on the Declaration of Independence.

Paul was in the bell-ringing clue of the Old North Club.

George did not chop down his father's cherry tree. He was the only president to serve his term in New York, and not the White House.

Ben Franklin did indeed love pithy phrases and published "the Poor
Richard's Almanack (1733-1758)

Thomas Jefferson believed every kid should enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

It's clever to try to mash-up the Beatles with the Founding Fathers, but the author limited it to too few visual and written references. He could have leaned into that theme a little more. Regardless, the rest of the book was a humorous and witty presentation of history, with a little True/False fact check at the end to explain where the author took liberties. Very nice. ( )

This book was an informational yet comical read. It shows the character traits of John, Paul, George, and Ben. The illustrations are very cartoon-like and animated to really bring out their personalities. For instance, Paul Revere is very loud because he spent too much time in the bell tower. As he got older, his volume became convenient because he always warned people when the British were coming. This book would be great for children who aren't interested much in history because the way the book is written is brilliant and entertaining. ( )

JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE & BEN is a great book with really amazing illustrations.(I always love Lane Smith's illustrations.) It teaches about the lives and major accomplishments of John Adams, Paul Revere, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin in a very cute, creative way. Also, I really appreciated the True/False section the author included in the back to show the reader were facts and what was fiction in the book The quotes and some verbiage in the book was spot on for what it would have been in that time period. However, I found this may confusing and a challenge for younger children. I really appreciated the True/False section the author included in the back to show the reader were facts and what was fiction in the book ( )