Talkin' Guitar: A Story of Young Doc Watson

A cadenced narrative and soft watercolors in a naive style take readers through blind folk musician Arthel "Doc" Watson's Appalachian upbringing. As a child, Watson heard music everywhere, whether in the "high, lonesome whistle of the train," the sound of geese, or in the saw blade's rhythm. Playing guitar provided a way for him to communicate with the world without the need for sight: "Now Arthel could play what he couldn't see." Endnotes offer information about Watson's accomplished career, yet the story's focus remains squarely on the roots of (and his dedication to) his musical passion. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3—This charming picture book depicts the childhood of Arthel "Doc" Watson, a blind country and bluegrass guitarist, songwriter, and singer. This story begins on the endpapers, where a wash of soft greens invites readers to peek through trees and discover Watson's home, "where blue mountains meet the sky." Uncluttered watercolor illustrations add to the spare text, which stresses Watson's joyful exploration of the sounds of his world. A variety of colors set the tone: the bright red of the barn where he strummed a steel wire, lemon yellow for the notes on his first harmonica, a sweep of blue behind his banjo. Although his music "sounded like a rusty door hinge" at first, Watson kept with it. This story ends when Watson is still a teen, but an author's note explains how his chores on the farm gave him the confidence to pursue a successful career in music. VERDICT This enchanting introduction to a legendary musician is perfect for most biography collections.—Toby Rajput, National Louis University, Skokie, IL

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The paintings' rich colors and simplified, often rhythmically repeated forms suit the story well. A lyrical tribute to the childhood of a folk legend."
—Booklist

"A cadenced narrative and soft watercolors in a naïve style take readers through blind folk musician Arthel "Doc" Watson's Appalachian upbringing."
—Publishers Weekly

"Uncluttered watercolor illustrations add to the spare text, which stresses Watson's joyful exploration of the sounds of his world...this enchanting introduction to a legendary musician is perfect for most biography collections."
—School Library Journal

"Gourley's affectionate biography is a great starting point for young readers, who are most likely unfamiliar with Doc Watson."
—Horn Book Magazine

"In twangy language and moody, brightly colored watercolor art, Gourley emphasizes his keen ear, subtle appreciation of both sound and silence, and loving, supportive family."
—New York Times Book Review