Now here’s a neat little book. The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) is the story of The Fab Four aimed at young readers. It’s listed at ages 6-9, but readers of all ages will enjoy this illustrated and condensed version of musical history. The illustrations are wonderful and, in fact, it is the book’s cover that caught my eye. Truth be told, I’d say Stacy Innerst’s illustrations are the true star of the show, but that would diminish the authors’ wonderful job in presenting a clever, factual and, yes, funny presentation.
The sources listed in the book are impeccable and that’s what makes this such an engaging book. Authors Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer keep facts intact, incorporating true bits of the Beatlemania legend such as the hard jellybeans fans in America threw instead of the softer jelly babies in the UK and John’s “rattle your jewelry” comment at Royal Albert Hall. Each Beatle also gets a page featuring some of his witty repartee from press conferences — and the lads were funny!.
Detailed enough to pique one’s curiosity, funny enough to share a laugh, and illustrated with obvious affection, this is a read that should be enjoyed by boomer parents and their kids as well as fans of all ages.
Bonus points for an introduction quoting Kurt Vonnegut on the Beatles! Beatles fans as well as parents should consider picking this up; I’ve got a feeling (sorry!) that this fun little curio may become a collector’s item!
Follow me on Twitter @stevejreviews
