This artful, insightful look at pianist Glenn Gould is laid out in a narrative that uses a simple premise—articulating his “likes/dislikes”—and develops it into a sophisticated yet wholly accessible and highly engaging story. In childhood, Glenn likes boats, but not fishing; fun and playing pranks, but not bullying; nature, but not being cold. Glenn likes animals. “He loves his dog, Nicky, his rabbits, his goldfish, his budgie and his skunk, but ... he finds people more difficult, especially in groups. He does not like parties.” Glenn’s certainties extend to liking reading but not school, liking rules—of games, math, and “the patterns in music”—but “not rules that squash him. His parents make a rule that he can only practice piano four hours a day. Glenn hates this rule … Glenn loves to play the piano.” And people like hearing him play. In adulthood, after performing around the world, Glenn realizes he doesn’t like giving concerts—there is too much that is uncomfortable and unfamiliar, and too many people! So he gives performances alone, making recordings in empty concert halls. “There’s nobody to please but himself. He plays until every note is just so. This is his perfect place.” Gould’s personality and passions are detailed in this skilled, sensitive picture book, in which there is implicit acceptance of his neurodiversity. (Ages 6-9)

A warm and witty portrait of child prodigy and world-famous classical musician Glenn Gould.

Glenn was a child who knew his own mind — he liked boats but did not like fishing; he enjoyed puns and pranks but did not like bullying; he loved learning but did not like school ... but more than anything else he loved to play the piano.

Glenn had a professional performing career by the time he was fifteen; he gave concerts all over the world in his twenties. He became best known for his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. But Glenn grew to dislike concerts — the hall was too cold, or he didn’t feel well, or the audience made too much noise (he didn’t even like their applause!). He discovered that when he played and recorded music in an empty concert hall, he could make it sound exactly the way he wanted. He could do what he loved best, while being completely himself.

Sarah Ellis’s beautifully written portrait of Glenn Gould is complemented by Nancy Vo’s gorgeous illustrations, bringing the life and times of this extraordinarily talented musician to readers young and old.

Includes a fascinating author’s note and resources for further information.

Key Text Features

additional information

afterword

author’s note

bibliography

biographical information

biographical note

explanation

facts

further information

further reading

historical context

illustrations

informational note

photographs

sources

vignettes

writing inspiration

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.