238A: Benjamin B., who is he?

Taught myself to read in first grade with a book of forgotten title. The main character is Benjamin B. (or Benjamin B––) (not Bee or any other variation). The book was published before 1966, which is when I read it. The book was not new when I read it, so possibly published before 1960. It is my faint impression (which could be incorrect) that he was a British boy, so perhaps written by a British author. I’m sorry, but that’s all I have. I have been looking for this book for about a decade, so any help appreciated.

9 thoughts on “238A: Benjamin B., who is he?

  1. Kelly W

    I remember nothing about this but the title…but maybe Beloved Benjamin is Waiting, by Jean Karl? I think it was a ghost story, so it may not be anything even close to what you’re looking for!

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    1. Dan

      Thank you, but sorry — it wasn’t a ghost story. I faintly remember (I think) Benjamin had some kind of problem he had to solve. Perhaps something to do with a social situation. But that’s all I remember, and I can’t be sure about even that.

      Reply
  2. Rosemarym

    I remember this book in either the late fifties or early sixties. My mother, who sadly died a month ago, regularly brought up the subject of the book in conversation over the years. We both enjoyed the story and the style of the illustrations. I think it was published in the USA and that it was the first time that I had heard the expression “station wagon” used in place of the British term “estate car”.

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  3. ChuckvonPilot

    When I was a first grader in 1961, the very first book I checked out on my new library card was called “Benjamin B. Goes to the Beach”. (Or something very close to that). I remember because it was the first of many thousands of books I would go on to read. I know others that remember that title as well. I’ve never been able to find a copy. Also, the book I remember was done in a style that pre-dates the 40’s.

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  4. Alexandra

    Long shot, but might be it? Benjamin Budge and Barnaby Ball by Florence Parry Heide. Tall man in a small house and a short man in a big house. Neighbors who switch houses. Published in 1967.

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  5. Vickie muckelroy

    It was a 1St grade reader, it was titled Benjamin B, I loved the book growing up and have been searching for a copy for over 30 yrs

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  6. Vickie muckelroy

    Vintage Reader
    Something Different
    By Eva Knox Evans

    Illustrated by Pelagie Doane
    Published by D.C. Heath
    Copyright 1947
    186 pages

    Main characters are Benjamin B and Mary. They discover a baby in a basket named Sarah Jane and care for her.
    Contains easy to read stories, mostly based in a child’s neighborhood, similar to Dick and Jane stories of the time.
    Illustrations are adorable and have minimal text – perfect for framing.

    Reply
  7. ruth hall

    Does anyone know where I can get his book. It was the book that I laearned to read on as well. I would love to get a copy.

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