"Glenn loves to play the piano. He loves it more than anything." In As Glenn as Can Be, Sarah Ellis (Dodger Boy) succinctly and whimsically relates the unusual nature of this artist. Nancy Vo (The Outlaw) complements Ellis's prose with winsome illustrations that bring form to the quirky and talented prodigy. Together they introduce young readers to the Canadian classical pianist Glenn Gould (1932-1982) and his music.
Ellis uses Gould's likes and dislikes to sketch his portrait: Glenn "likes nature.... he does not like being cold"; he "likes the company of animals.... he finds people more difficult.... He does not like parties." Ellis explains in her author's note that while she took liberties with the timeline, the picture book is entirely factual. Her choices of details and events to include in this brief biography make the initiation into Gould's world particularly engaging. Meanwhile, Vo's mixed-media art includes thematic emulations of waves of sound or the form of a musical staff. Vo's art has a sense of texture and her exquisite use of shading creates atmosphere. Especially powerful is a spread depicting Gould performing in front of throngs of faceless individuals--the blacks, browns and grays of this layout convey an intensity from both performer and audience.
As Glenn as Can Be is an accessible entry into Gould's life for young readers. And for those who may feel they're different from other children, the unconventional Gould may suggest to them that different isn't so bad. --Jen Forbus, freelancer