Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar
What’s inside...
Gus & Me is a heartfelt memoir by Keith Richards that explores his special relationship with his grandfather, Gus, and the profound influence Gus had on his musical journey. The book traces Keith's evolution from a young boy passionate about music to a world-renowned guitarist of the Rolling Stones. Richly illustrated by his daughter Theodora, this story delves into their shared love for music, featuring personal family photographs and an exclusive audio CD, making it a touching tribute to family legacy and the power of music.
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Keith Richards
Gus Dupree
Discussion points
How do you think Gus felt when he was teaching Keith how to play the guitar?
Why is it important to have someone who believes in your dreams like Gus did for Keith?
What did you learn about the power of music from this story?
How can sharing a hobby with someone else make it more enjoyable?
Can you think of a time when you learned something new from a family member? What was that experience like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the illustrations in the book to guide the conversation, asking your child to describe what they see and how it connects to the story.
Encourage your child to discuss their own dreams and aspirations, relating them to Keith’s experiences in the book.
Share your own stories of learning something new or being mentored by someone else to create a personal connection.
Ask your child to imagine and describe what kind of music they would like to play or create, fostering creativity and self-expression.
Celebrate the theme of determination and perseverance in the book by discussing a current challenge your child is facing and how they can overcome it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence and Practice
Explanation: The protagonist learns to play the guitar with encouragement and repeated practice, showing that mastering a skill takes time and effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by consistently practicing any new skill they are learning, whether it's playing an instrument, a sport, or mastering a new art form.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the special bond between the protagonist and his grandfather, emphasizing the value of family relationships and shared experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to spend quality time with family members, learn from their stories, and create meaningful memories together.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through the grandfather’s stories and the music they explore together, the book showcases the richness of cultural heritage and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and appreciate their own cultural heritage as well as those of others, fostering a sense of respect and curiosity about different backgrounds.