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.
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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!
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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
I read that book over and over lying in bed improving my reading skills and learning about his trip to the ocean. I dreamed of going to an ocean beach and Benjamin B took me there. Another reader I enjoyed was titled “Today we go”
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.
This sounds remarkably familiar. I’ll check out your suggestion. Thanks, Vickie!
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.