Ben Franklin, Back in Action

Batman, Spiderman ... and Ben Franklin? He may not be a superhero, but the famous forefather might some day be seen nearly as heroic to kids—if Jorge Lan, CEO of the McMinnville, Ore.-based Little Great Ones, has his way. Franklin is the focus of the first hardcover storybook and dramatized audio CD debuting in March from the specialty publisher.

“Our mission is interact with children to promote essential values that great people have taught us with the example of their lives,” Lan says. “Honesty, identity, duty, caring for people and helping others are important qualities to create a brighter future.”

Franklin's book set, part of the “Great Americans” line, will be followed by a Moses set in April, the first in the “Little Great Ones from the Bible” bilingual English/Spanish line; a George Washington set in May, which debuts at Book Expo America; an Abraham Lincoln set in November; and at least one more title before the year's end. The company intends to branch out into activity books and other products but, in the meantime, will likely support existing titles with extra Web content, such as games.

“We are very interested in partnering with other companies,” Lan says. “I would love to see kids playing with a Franklin or Washington action figure one day, and I believe it is possible.”