As Glenn as Can Be

Glenn Gould was a child prodigy and a superstar. By the time he went to school, he was a serious piano student. By the time he was fifteen, he had a professional performing career. In his twenties, he was one of the most famous classical musicians in the world. What made this odd, brilliant artist tick?

Where did this book come from?
From Sarah Ellis, writer.

For me, what lay behind this picture book about Glenn Gould was one part patriotism, one part empathy and about ten parts fascination. In the spirit of mild flag-waving I wanted to celebrate a home-grown phenomenon. I also wanted to reach out to kids who might feel that they, too, don’t fit in. But mostly I just wanted to spend some time and imagination trying to figure out this remarkable artist. We often tell children, especially when they are distressed or unsure, “Be yourself.” Glenn Gould’s life is an example of the power and beauty that can be unleashed when it is possible to truly follow this advice.

From Nancy Vo, illustrator

When I was approached to illustrate a picture book about Glenn Gould, I immediately said yes! Just as soon after, I worried that they had asked the wrong person. After all, this is Glenn Gould, piano genius and legend. However, when I started to research and challenge myself to complement Sarah’s text with the right images and a layer of historical interpretation, I began to feel more at ease. I liked that this is not only a story about Glenn growing up but also about Canada coming of age as a nation – from the early days of national radio to the beginnings of space exploration.

What do readers think?

Should provide solace and inspiration to those reserved, thoughtful children who, try as they might, cannot make any sense of what most of their contemporaries are up to. . . a serious and beautiful introduction to a great musician.

Gorgeous! Beautifully written, drawn and designed. Unusual. Surprising, Engaging. A great job of culling the right details from that complicated life.

I was moved and delighted at the simple beauty of the narrative, the wonderful and sensitive illustrations. I think this book will introduce Glenn Gould to new generations and also help build a climate of understanding and acceptance for the “special children” among us.

-Brian Levine, executive director of the Glenn Gould Foundation

Witty in tone and style and brimming with myriad fascinating facts about Glenn as both a child and an adult, this inspirational 40-page ode to one of the planet’s most beloved — and decidedly odd — pianists, composers, visionary thinkers and multimedia artists is sure to delight readers of all ages, especially music fans and those with deeply expressive, inquisitive minds (just like Glenn).

-Canadian Review of Materials

That is a good car

-Kavi (age 2)