Guitar Genius
By Kim Tomsic • Illustrated by Brett Helquist
How Les Paul Engineered the Solid-Body Electric Guitar and Rocked the World
"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 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 and a radio. How to make an electric guitar? A record player’s arm, a speaker and some tape. How to make a legendary inventor? A few tools, a lot of curiosity, and an endless faith in what’s possible.
A curious kid who tinkered with everything electronic, young Lester Polsfuss had a mechanical mind and love for music. Once told by a teacher he had no talent, he was encouraged by his mother to pursue his passions. He saved his money to buy a guitar. He taught himself to play. What he didn’t have, he made: a recording device, a harmonica holder, a speaker system. While his performing career flourished and took him from Waukesha, Wisconsin all the way to the White House, he never stopped inventing. In 1941, at the age of 26, he created the instrument that could play the sounds he wanted to make: the solid body electric guitar.
Featuring richly detailed, dynamic illustrations by Brett Helquist, this unforgettable biography and story of perseverance will resonate with inventive readers young and old.
Kim Tomsic lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and dogs. This is her first picture book.
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 lives in Brooklyn, New York.
See below for cover images, interior spreads and a full PDF of the book. To request a review copy or interview with the creators, please contact Lara Starr at [email protected]