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jaij7's review against another edition
5.0
This book was EXCELLENT in so many genres. It is a well-done nonfiction book, a fantastic picture biography, and a superb book for a STEAM starter. Wow! This is a must-have for elementary schools.
bibliobrittish's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story about the power of perseverance told through one of music's greatest (and most important) inventors. Chock-full of history, Tomsic makes accuracy her mission in a very accessible way. Beautifully illustrated and utterly genius. Perfect for older littles and oldest music-lovers alike.
P.S. I may be a little biased after meeting Kim this other night and spending some time gabbing, but I already loved the book before meeting her - she just provided some really wonderful into her life and process.
P.S. I may be a little biased after meeting Kim this other night and spending some time gabbing, but I already loved the book before meeting her - she just provided some really wonderful into her life and process.
teganbeesebooks's review against another edition
5.0
This was very informative! I knew a lot about Les Paul from my husband, but learned even more in this! He is such an inspiration to kids who are told not to do something. I'm so glad he pursued his passion and changed the face of music to what we know it as today.
backonthealex's review against another edition
4.0
One of my earliest memories is of my parents listening to music, and among their favorites was Les Paul. And yet, when he was young, Lester Polsfuss was told by a music teacher that he had no musical ability whatsoever. That didn't keep Lester away from music, however, not by a long shot. First, he made himself a crystal radio set out of ordinary household items to listen to music. Next, he bought himself a guitar with his paper route money, and taught himself to play, even landing a stint on the local radio station. That led to building a way to record himself, again using ordinary household items. When that worked, Lester devised a way to play guitar and harmonica at the same time. The inventions went on and on - a microphone, a guitar amplifier, and finally a solid body electric guitar. At 19, Lester shortened his name to Les Paul, formed the Les Paul Trio, and before long was playing with some of the jazz greats of the day - Louis Armstrong, Nat Kind Cole, Coleman Hawkins, even Bing Crosby. And Les Paul's popularity grew, why, he was even a favorite of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Les Paul and his inventions transformed popular music, and the most amazing fact is that he never learned to read music, playing by ear (probably thanks to that discouraging music teacher). Tomsic has written a wonderful introductory biography of this multi-talented innovative musician, focusing on his grit and perseverance to work through problems and come up with solutions. Helquist's colorful oil painted artwork successfully illustrates the points that Tomsic makes about Les Paul's life and work. I particularly liked the illustration showing how young Lester made the crystal radio set and microphone, adding a bit of STEM to this excellent biography. Back matter includes an extensive note From the Author and a list of Works Cited.
libraryjen's review against another edition
3.0
This picture book biography introduces us to Les Paul, Grammy-winning musician and inventor. Though the average person may not have heard of Paul, musicians all around the world revere his genius and use his invention of "Sound on Sound" (or multi-track) recording in their everyday lives. Well-written and illustrated beautifully, this book hits the highlights of Paul's life and introduces young kids to the "Guitar Genius", Les Paul. Definitely recommended.
maidmarianlib's review
4.0
Love the focus on grit and perseverance. The illustrations are delightful.
m0rganh's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting to read and striking to behold. I learned so many thangs!
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