Wham! Book

Compared to the previous kids' book about the Beatles I read, Who Were the Beatles?, this one is probably more entertaining. It has humorous, full colour, comic book style illustrations that will appeal to everyone.

Though it does make a big mistake on page 10. A photo of the Quarrymen is captioned as 1955, when, of course, the band wouldn't even exist for another one or two years! (This photo was taken July 6, 1957; it's a shame they didn't connect this photo to the day John met Paul, an event which is discussed in the book.)

Mistakes aside, the illustrations manage to highlight even some pretty obscure facts, like John Lennon attending Dovedale Primary School, or the red checkered shirt he wore and was photographed in (though in black and white) on July 6, 1957. And though this book is nearly three times shorter than Who Were the Beatles?, it manages to mention their vital and irreplaceable producer, George Martin, where the other book does not!

Technical innovations are mentioned in detail. Also, the author elevates the Beatles to rank among the most revered classical musicians, to help young readers understand what the fuss is about. The same level as Beethoven, even. Far from him having to "roll over", as the lyric goes, the two can co-exist in the upper echelons of music greatness. Finally, this book brims with actual comedy kids will appreciate. For example, read the joke blurb on the back cover, about the Roaches. it's a good bit. Well done.

One last random thing: the illustrations in this book remind me of those in the kids' grammar book The Girl's Like Spaghetti. This is a good thing. And P.S! There are a couple of rare photographs in this book you may not have seen before.