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

By Kim Tomsic and Brett Helquist

"An exuberant introduction to a musician and creative genius." –Kirkus Reviews

A beautifully-illustrated true story of rock and roll legend Les Paul: This is the story of how Les Paul created the world's first solid-body electric guitar, countless other inventions that changed modern music, and one truly epic career in rock and roll. How to make a microphone? A broomstick, a cinderblock, a telephone, a radio. How to make an electric guitar? A record player's arm, a speaker, some tape. How to make a legendary inventor? A few tools, a lot of curiosity, and an endless faith in what is possible, this unforgettable biography will resonate with inventive readers young and old.

• Perfect for young readers and rock and roll enthusiasts alike.
• Unforgettable biography that will resonate with inventive readers young and old.
• Featuring richly detailed, dynamic illustrations by Brett Helquist, the New York Times bestselling illustrator of many books, including the Lemony Snicket books, A Series of Unfortunate Events.

"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.

This inspiring true story of rock and roll legend Les Paul teaches lessons of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and following your dreams.

• Perfect read aloud book for family story time
• Books for kids ages 5-8
• Great book for STEM programs
• Children's books for grades K-3

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Apr 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781452180182

Kim Tomsic

Kim Tomsic has been the new girl at eight different schools, where she earned a variety of conflicting labels: the dork, the cool kid; the pretty girl, the ugly girl; the smart kid, the normal kid; the worst at sports, decent at sports; and the shy girl, the talker. She kept one label: the talker. Kim now lives in Colorado with her husband, two children, and two dogs; all five keep her laughing. The 11:11 Wish is her first middle grade novel and is followed by The 12th Candle. Visit her at kimscritiquingcorner.blogspot.com.

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Reviews for Guitar Genius

[stephmward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For every child who likes to tinker, the story of Les Paul is an incredibly in-depth biography about one of the greatest tinkerers of all time.

Guitar Genius takes readers on a life-long journey from a music-loving student who was told he had no talent to the popular musician and highly-respected guitar inventor that he became. The story highlights the perseverance, focus and passion that Les Paul brought to the one thing he loved, even in the face of discouragement and failure.

A fascinating read for any budding musician, especially one who loves guitars.

[sweetiegherkin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Even though young Lester Polsfuss was told by a piano teacher that he would "never be musical," he persevered in his love of music enough to pursue in a career it while constantly tinkering with machines and inventions of his own to be able to play a harmonica and a guitar at the same time, to amplify his sound, and eventually to create the first solid-body electric guitar. Les Paul is now in multiple halls of fame for his contributions to music. This detailed picture book biography highlights the life and career of Les Paul while focusing on his strong family roots and his unending curiosity to try something new. It's an inspirational, and occasionally technical, read. Children and tweens who enjoy music and STEM subjects will particularly like this book, but it also resonates with any reader who's been told they are 'no good' at something.Brett Helquist's illustrations complement the text nicely with largely realistic images and then beautiful swirls of color to represent the sounds of musical tunes.

[sylliu_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A lively biography of Les Paul and how is insatiable curiosity and musical talents led him to tinker and invent the solid body electric guitar. The language and pacing is lively and the the illustrations are energetic and engaging. An excellent picture book biography that hits all the right notes.