Guitar Genius: How Les Paul Engineered the Solid-Body Electric Guitar and Rocked the World

Description

A picture book biography of Les Paul, considered to be the father of the solid-body electric guitar. From the time he was a kid, Les scrutinised his family's gadgets, tinkered in his father's garage, and took everything in his mother's living room apart the phonograph, the player piano, the telephone, the radio. With his irrepressible curiosity and an endless faith in what is possible, Les Paul created the world's first solid-body electric guitar, countless other inventions that have changed modern music, and one truly epic career in rock and roll.

Kim Tomsic lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and dogs. She teaches yoga and encourages her son in his performances of both the acoustic and electric guitar. Though Kim doesn't know how to play the guitar herself, she did play the flute in middle school. This is her first picture book. As for inventions, Kim hasn't invented anything . . . yet! Brett Helquist is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of many books, including A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket and Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett. He is also the author of Grumpy Goat, Bedtime for Bear, and Roger, the Jolly Pirate. He grew up in Utah and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. When Brett has a little free time, he loves to play guitar, ukulele, and banjo.

Text and illustrations radiate exuberance and joy . . . A strong addition to inspire would-be inventors, and an excellent choice for STEM programs and biography collections. - School Library Journal A rockin' tale of trial and error and innovation through necessity.-A Best Book of the Year, The New York Public Library An exuberant introduction to a musician and creative genius. ---Kirkus Reviews Les Paul was an innovator and musical force for the ages-he changed the world in a very real way. His story is a lesson from which kids of all ages can derive inspiration. --Billy Gibbons, lead guitarist of ZZ Top