It’s always a challenge to present the life of a famous person, especially a famous adult, in a way that engages young readers. But Napoleon’s latest title in its Stories of Canada series exceeds all expectations in presenting the life of enigmatic Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. The lively prose of Pender Island musician and writer Vladimir Konieczny, divided into digestible one- and two-page units, brings Gould vividly to life.

Konieczny begins with a cosmic view that both grabs kids’ attention and suggests his subject’s lasting importance: the time capsules being carried through space on the Voyager spacecraft contain a recording of Gould playing Bach. He then plunges into a lively account of Gould’s birth into a musical family and his exceptional talent, which surfaced in early childhood. Although Gould refused to be labelled a prodigy‚ his musical path was clear, and by his early twenties he was performing and recording the music that made him famous.

In following Gould’s meteoric career, his premature retirement from the stage, and his later writing and broadcasting projects, Konieczny is careful to focus on the details that will connect with contemporary kids: Gould’s sensitivity, honesty, humour, kindness, his love of animals, and his absolute determination to be true to himself. Bright children dissatisfied with school and those who are bullied for being different may see themselves in this eccentric and talented youngster, who nevertheless made his way in the world and whose struggles brought great success.

Beautifully designed and lavishly illustrated with photos, publicity materials, and Wysotski’s evocative black-and-white line drawings, this book is a treasure.