Gus & me

Keith Richards, illustrated by Theodora Richards
Orion Children’s Books [Hachette]
ISBN: 9781444011760           RRP: $28.99

The sub-title explains: The story of my Granddad and my first guitar. It’s a memoir, with the Rolling Stones author reflecting on the influence of his grandfather, on his musical life. The guitar sitting atop the piano was just one of many instruments around Grandfather Gus’s house. Richards played his first song on this guitar – Malaguena. The rest is musical history. The well-written story, glowing with family pride and love for the Grandfather, is accompanied by illustrations done in the beat style of the 50s. Included is a CD-Rom with Richards telling the story and performing Malaguena. One for the fans.