In Robert Lawson's novel for young readers titled Ben and Me, why did Benjamin Franklin go to England and then to France?

In Robert Lawson’s novel for young readers titled
Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin and His Good Mouse
Amos, Ben Franklin’s trips to England and to France are
described.

Near the end of Chapter 8, Franklin explains to
Amos the reasons for his trip to England:

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"As you doubtless know, relations between these
American Colonies and our Mother Country, England, have become very badly strained. So
much so that I have chosen to go to England and lay our case before the King and
Parliament: to attempt to make clear to them the justice of our grievances, to avoid the
dangers of rebellion and possibility of
war."

In this passage,
Franklin makes clear that rebellion from England and war with that country were not
outcomes the colonists desired; they merely wanted to be treated with consideration and
fairness.

Amos, at first, is more than happy to accompany
Ben on his mission, not only because of his personal devotion to liberty but because he
has heard good things about English cheese. When he discovers, however, that Franklin
has installed lightning rods on the ship heading for England, he changes his mind. Only
later does he hear that Franklin’s mission to England was “a complete failure.” War with
England becomes inevitable.

Later, at the beginning of
Chapter 10, when the colonial armies are in need of supplies and a foreign country’s
help must be sought, Amos is instrumental (according to Lawson’s book) in suggesting
France as the source of assistance. Amos reminds Franklin of French pastries, French
wines, and beautiful French women, and so Franklin immediately suggests to George
Washington that France should be America’s ally. General Washington agrees that Franklin
should go to the French court “to plead our cause.” Washington reminds Franklin that
this is a “heavy responsibility.”