What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beatles Couldn't Read Music?
From the best-selling author of My Weird School : a new entry in the cheerful and engaging biography series centered on high-interest historic figures. Did you know that John Lennon’s mom called him “Stinker” because he farted so much? Or that Paul McCartney liked playing guitar in the bathroom? Bet you didn’t know that George Harrison once had his friend’s parent sign his report card, or that Ringo Starr’s grandma thought he was possessed by witches! Paige and Turner have collected some of the most unusual and surprising facts about the rock stars, from their childhoods and early days as musicians to the formation of the Beatles and their rise to become the greatest band of all time. Narrated by the two spirited siblings and animated by Allison Steinfeld’s upbeat illustrations, Wait! What? The Beatles Couldn’t Read Music? is an authoritative, accessible, and one-of-a-kind biography infused with Dan Gutman’s signature zany sense of humor.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2023
7 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Dan Gutman
358 books1,033 followersThe author of over 80 books in a little over a decade of writing, Dan Gutman has written on topics from computers to baseball. Beginning his freelance career as a nonfiction author dealing mostly with sports for adults and young readers, Gutman has concentrated on juvenile fiction since 1995. His most popular titles include the time-travel sports book Honus and Me and its sequels, and a clutch of baseball books, including The Green Monster from Left Field. From hopeful and very youthful presidential candidates to stunt men, nothing is off limits in Gutman's fertile imagination. As he noted on his author Web site, since writing his first novel, They Came from Centerfield, in 1994, he has been hooked on fiction. "It was fun to write, kids loved it, and I discovered how incredibly rewarding it is to take a blank page and turn it into a WORLD."
Gutman was born in New York City in 1955, but moved to Newark, New Jersey the following year and spent his youth there.
Gutman was born in New York City in 1955, but moved to Newark, New Jersey the following year and spent his youth there.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 10, 2024
While the broad strokes of this book are correct, there are some questionable and even erroneous “facts” included. In doing some simple fact-checking I see that one such tidbit was included in a Wikipedia post, the attribution of which leads to a completely contradictory quote from George Harrison. When writing for children, authors need to do better.
January 21, 2025
What a great introduction for kids to learn about the greatest band EVER! I love all the fun and little known stories and facts about John, Paul, George and Ringo. Such a fun read. What’s your favorite song/album? Rubber Soul was my absolute fav!
June 9, 2023
"Good Morning, Good Morning"
Would you like a book review "From Me To You"?
How familiar are you With The Beatles? This little book promises to bring all the little bits and trivia that you might not know "All Together Now". "Any Time At All" you might want to access an interesting fact like the pertinent details of Paul actually being dead, this book will bring you everything you'd ever want to know about these "Boys".
"Why", you might ask? Why not! Everybody wants to "Something" and this book presents it all as a fun dialogue between two Beatlemaniacs. "With a Little Help From My Friends" you can access everything in easily organized chapters - some on history, some on each member, some on songs, and one on miscellanea.
Next time you're "Searchin'" for some fun facts, just crack open these book!
Thank you Netgalley, for the advance copy - and for allowing me to give this silly review.
Would you like a book review "From Me To You"?
How familiar are you With The Beatles? This little book promises to bring all the little bits and trivia that you might not know "All Together Now". "Any Time At All" you might want to access an interesting fact like the pertinent details of Paul actually being dead, this book will bring you everything you'd ever want to know about these "Boys".
"Why", you might ask? Why not! Everybody wants to "Something" and this book presents it all as a fun dialogue between two Beatlemaniacs. "With a Little Help From My Friends" you can access everything in easily organized chapters - some on history, some on each member, some on songs, and one on miscellanea.
Next time you're "Searchin'" for some fun facts, just crack open these book!
Thank you Netgalley, for the advance copy - and for allowing me to give this silly review.
November 18, 2023
This was a fun, nostalgic couple hours reliving memories of the Fab Four! However, some things that were missing...
* In addition to having a drum set, Pete Best's mom owned the Cavern Club so, since they needed both a drummer and the gig itself, they didn't have a lot of choice but to give him a chance, even tho he didn't fit in with their antics and developing vibe. George Martin called that one right.
* While touring with other pop groups around England, the different groups they traveled with and shared stages with were all singing the same hit songs (by other artists). John and Paul realized they needed their own songs and sounds, not everyone singing all the same songs, so they began writing. Their music never sounded like anyone else's again! They were truly unique and ahead of their time.
* It's kind of mentioned in this book but in addition to not reading music, they each taught themselves to play the instruments that eventually made them music icons. Four really young guys with no musical experience at all?!? Writing and playing their own songs to worldwide fame?!?! Their God given talent and perseverance made them legends in their own time!
* Around this same time, both John and Paul loved the vocal harmonys of the Everly Brothers, Phil and Don, and worked hard to vocalize that similar harmony. Their voices became so close in sound, it's hard in some songs to tell who's singing lead. Later we learned that whichever was the main writer of the song was usually its lead singer. Years later Paul included Phil and Don (Everly) in the lyrics of his solo hit Let 'em In!
* The 1964 Ed Sullivan Show wasn't just one Sunday night, they appeared three Sundays in a row. First and third in NYC, second in Miami. It was bliss! They played live, no lip syncing! It should also be pointed out that audience numbers counted the televisions tuned in to Ed, NOT the actual numbers of everyone watching those TVs! Multiply that number exponentially folks, times three separate appearances! Wow!
* Phil Collins, drummer of Genesis fame and solo hits, has told of being in the audience scene for the Hard Day's Night movie. Mostly it's screaming girls we see but he was near the group of young boys they briefly show. He too was influenced by Ringo and the Beatles.
* George met his first wife Patty Boyd, a young model, as they filmed A Hard Days Night. There's a group of girls on the train the guys flirt with and she's the one with long blond hair. That British hairstyle was popular for years for girls with long hair, until Twiggy came along and cut off the long locks! But, look closely and both hairstyles were the female equivalent of the Beatles' bob at that time!
* Brian Epstein is mentioned but his influence on their early stage presence should not be glossed over. He calmed them down (a little!) from rowdy boys to stylish young men, making them somewhat more palatable to the parents. Their music did the rest by touching hearts and minds of all ages. His early death was tragic and, in my opinion, scattered the band's focus in too many other directions. Had Brian lived, their future as a group might've been different and less manic.
* In this entire group of geniuses, George Martin had the incredible ear and imagination to help put the professional sound together in the recording studio. John and Paul, George too, knew how they wanted their songs to sound and George Martin made the magic happen! They could not have asked for a better producer or collaborator! Also thanks to the perseverance of Brian Epstein!
* Later, as solo performers, they each had high album sales but, surprisingly (to some), George's double album All Things Must Pass quietly outsold his former bandmates.
This book was pretty good and, yes, I'm aware it was written for children. I was a child once too, then the Beatles arrived and nothing has ever been the same - which was and is a good thing. They brought joy and inspiration during difficult times, and their music lives on along with the memories.
* In addition to having a drum set, Pete Best's mom owned the Cavern Club so, since they needed both a drummer and the gig itself, they didn't have a lot of choice but to give him a chance, even tho he didn't fit in with their antics and developing vibe. George Martin called that one right.
* While touring with other pop groups around England, the different groups they traveled with and shared stages with were all singing the same hit songs (by other artists). John and Paul realized they needed their own songs and sounds, not everyone singing all the same songs, so they began writing. Their music never sounded like anyone else's again! They were truly unique and ahead of their time.
* It's kind of mentioned in this book but in addition to not reading music, they each taught themselves to play the instruments that eventually made them music icons. Four really young guys with no musical experience at all?!? Writing and playing their own songs to worldwide fame?!?! Their God given talent and perseverance made them legends in their own time!
* Around this same time, both John and Paul loved the vocal harmonys of the Everly Brothers, Phil and Don, and worked hard to vocalize that similar harmony. Their voices became so close in sound, it's hard in some songs to tell who's singing lead. Later we learned that whichever was the main writer of the song was usually its lead singer. Years later Paul included Phil and Don (Everly) in the lyrics of his solo hit Let 'em In!
* The 1964 Ed Sullivan Show wasn't just one Sunday night, they appeared three Sundays in a row. First and third in NYC, second in Miami. It was bliss! They played live, no lip syncing! It should also be pointed out that audience numbers counted the televisions tuned in to Ed, NOT the actual numbers of everyone watching those TVs! Multiply that number exponentially folks, times three separate appearances! Wow!
* Phil Collins, drummer of Genesis fame and solo hits, has told of being in the audience scene for the Hard Day's Night movie. Mostly it's screaming girls we see but he was near the group of young boys they briefly show. He too was influenced by Ringo and the Beatles.
* George met his first wife Patty Boyd, a young model, as they filmed A Hard Days Night. There's a group of girls on the train the guys flirt with and she's the one with long blond hair. That British hairstyle was popular for years for girls with long hair, until Twiggy came along and cut off the long locks! But, look closely and both hairstyles were the female equivalent of the Beatles' bob at that time!
* Brian Epstein is mentioned but his influence on their early stage presence should not be glossed over. He calmed them down (a little!) from rowdy boys to stylish young men, making them somewhat more palatable to the parents. Their music did the rest by touching hearts and minds of all ages. His early death was tragic and, in my opinion, scattered the band's focus in too many other directions. Had Brian lived, their future as a group might've been different and less manic.
* In this entire group of geniuses, George Martin had the incredible ear and imagination to help put the professional sound together in the recording studio. John and Paul, George too, knew how they wanted their songs to sound and George Martin made the magic happen! They could not have asked for a better producer or collaborator! Also thanks to the perseverance of Brian Epstein!
* Later, as solo performers, they each had high album sales but, surprisingly (to some), George's double album All Things Must Pass quietly outsold his former bandmates.
This book was pretty good and, yes, I'm aware it was written for children. I was a child once too, then the Beatles arrived and nothing has ever been the same - which was and is a good thing. They brought joy and inspiration during difficult times, and their music lives on along with the memories.
June 9, 2023
This is a cute book in a cute series. The series is about strang facts that you didn’t know about a famous person, which makes learning about the person more interesting. In the past they have done Albert Einstein, Teddy Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. In this volume he goes after the Beatles.
I can’t say that I was surprised by any of the weird facts he came up with about the Beatles, but that is because I devoured books about them in the past, and I believe that there were only a few things that he got past me. I did know about them not being able to read music, as well, growing up poor, and playing at the Cavern Club. But I didn’t know that the Cavern Club was a former bomb shelter. And I didn’t know that Paul Macarney gave Micheal Jackson the idea to buy up music catalogs, and in fact bought up the Beatle catalog.
Not sure if most people who haven’t heard the music, if that is possible, would get some of the jokes, or get the nuances about the songs, but if they have heard the music, then this is a very fun book full of trivia.
The way it is conveyed through the book is by having a sister brother duo talk about which facts they know.
Gutman has a light hand, and this book is a lot of fun.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book avaIlable for an honest review. This book comes out the 19th of Sept., 2023.
I can’t say that I was surprised by any of the weird facts he came up with about the Beatles, but that is because I devoured books about them in the past, and I believe that there were only a few things that he got past me. I did know about them not being able to read music, as well, growing up poor, and playing at the Cavern Club. But I didn’t know that the Cavern Club was a former bomb shelter. And I didn’t know that Paul Macarney gave Micheal Jackson the idea to buy up music catalogs, and in fact bought up the Beatle catalog.
Not sure if most people who haven’t heard the music, if that is possible, would get some of the jokes, or get the nuances about the songs, but if they have heard the music, then this is a very fun book full of trivia.
The way it is conveyed through the book is by having a sister brother duo talk about which facts they know.
Gutman has a light hand, and this book is a lot of fun.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book avaIlable for an honest review. This book comes out the 19th of Sept., 2023.
February 23, 2024
First sentence: Most teachers don't really want you to know anything about the Beatles! They want you to know about Abraham Lincoln and educational stuff like that.
Premise/plot: This is a "nonfiction" book. The framework is fiction, a fictional brother and sister duo battle it out to see who knows more about the Beatles. The information they're sharing is factual and nonfiction.
The book talks about the band, The Beatles. It talks about the four members of the band, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Each Beatle gets his own personal biographical chapter. Other chapters talk more about the band as a whole--chronicling the timeline of the band.
My thoughts: Did I learn anything new? No. Is that surprising? Not really if you KNOW me. I liked this one. I did. I was slightly annoyed by the fictional framework. However, I do appreciate that this one focused on the band AND the individuals within the band. I do think the Beatles are best introduced by their music. I know this is impossible to do in a book. Or perhaps not impossible, challenging enough, but the best way to get to know the Beatles is by....listening to the Beatles. Without that immediate connection to the music itself, I'm not sure how memorable or impactful or interesting or entertaining the book is.
Premise/plot: This is a "nonfiction" book. The framework is fiction, a fictional brother and sister duo battle it out to see who knows more about the Beatles. The information they're sharing is factual and nonfiction.
The book talks about the band, The Beatles. It talks about the four members of the band, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Each Beatle gets his own personal biographical chapter. Other chapters talk more about the band as a whole--chronicling the timeline of the band.
My thoughts: Did I learn anything new? No. Is that surprising? Not really if you KNOW me. I liked this one. I did. I was slightly annoyed by the fictional framework. However, I do appreciate that this one focused on the band AND the individuals within the band. I do think the Beatles are best introduced by their music. I know this is impossible to do in a book. Or perhaps not impossible, challenging enough, but the best way to get to know the Beatles is by....listening to the Beatles. Without that immediate connection to the music itself, I'm not sure how memorable or impactful or interesting or entertaining the book is.
August 22, 2023
I have been a Beatles fan for many years so when I found this book, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. As a Beatles fan there were so many fun facts to discover that I did not know about beforehand. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as an adult, but I also feel that The Beatles Couldn’t Read Music? will appeal to children. The characters, Paige and Turner, are a sibling pair who are interacting throughout the book sharing their knowledge about the Beatles. They both have fun, yet different from each other personalities and it is fun to listen to them banter back and forth while they share what they know. I feel like this would be such a fun series to have in a classroom for enjoyment or for class projects for the kids to base a biography on. But I also feel that Dan Gutman writes this in such a way that it isn’t boring nonfiction. Kids would love to pick this off the shelf whether they be at home, school, the library or store. I look forward to adding even more from the series to my family’s library.
August 21, 2023
Although this was meant for young readers, adults will also love this fun informative book about the Beatles. It is presented as a conversation between two kids and had snippets of trivia laced throughout along with quotes and some quirky illustrations which add an interesting layer to the book. I feel that the lighthearted and funny stories will endear everyone to the Beatles and showcase not only their amazing music and accomplishments but their charismatic personalities that made them the most famous band in the world. This would make an excellent book for a research project on a musical group and bring new fans to this celebrated band. It’s simple text, illustrations with plenty of white space will draw the young reader in. Even the most diehard Beatles fans may learn something new. Highly recommend. Many thanks to NetGalley and W.W Norton & Company Norton Young Readers for this eARC which will be published September 19 2023.
February 21, 2024
This is a great intro to the Beatles for kids! It answers the perennial question “who cares?!” with the famous musicians and other famous people who were blown away by the music. It points out that humor was a large part of their appeal. It shows that while the group caught some breaks, they also worked very hard on their music. It covers their childhoods and lives briefly. It also mentions all of the band had kids who went into music. But Paul McCartney’s daughter is the famous fashion designer Stella McCartney! Gorbachev blamed the Beatles for the breakup of the Soviet Union! Unlike other titles in the “Wait! What?” Series this doesn’t really have a bibliography although Gutman did list a few books he used a lot since of course there’s a ton out there, at least for adults. Definitely recommended!
June 21, 2023
3.5 stars
This is apparently part of a series. I've never read the others, but I may have to check them out, as this was a fun book. If you love random facts, especially about musicians, this is a good one to read. Some of the play on words may go over the head of kids, but adults will enjoy it and be able to use it as a teachable moment. The writing is good for the target audience. The cartoon pictures are adorable. It's clear this book is from a US perspective, so American fans may appreciate it more than UK readers.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
This is apparently part of a series. I've never read the others, but I may have to check them out, as this was a fun book. If you love random facts, especially about musicians, this is a good one to read. Some of the play on words may go over the head of kids, but adults will enjoy it and be able to use it as a teachable moment. The writing is good for the target audience. The cartoon pictures are adorable. It's clear this book is from a US perspective, so American fans may appreciate it more than UK readers.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
July 7, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss PlusE ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
If you have readers who love the Who Was biographies, take a look at Dan Gutman's new Wait. What? series, including this title on the ever popular Beatles. Even I learned something, and I have a close friend who is SUPER into them, so I already knew a lot! I've visited Liverpool TWICE, once with aforementioned friend as well as with my daughter, Picky Reader. Picky Reader, coincidentally, was a huge fan of Gutman's work. Lots of good information in this, and arranged in a way that is engaging and well suited to emergent or reluctant readers.
If you have readers who love the Who Was biographies, take a look at Dan Gutman's new Wait. What? series, including this title on the ever popular Beatles. Even I learned something, and I have a close friend who is SUPER into them, so I already knew a lot! I've visited Liverpool TWICE, once with aforementioned friend as well as with my daughter, Picky Reader. Picky Reader, coincidentally, was a huge fan of Gutman's work. Lots of good information in this, and arranged in a way that is engaging and well suited to emergent or reluctant readers.
June 7, 2023
The story of the Beatles or the information of each Beatle is told from Turner and his sister Paige through out the book they share all sorts of information that you probably didn’t know unless your a beatlemaniac like Turner and Paige. You will learn information about every beatle individually from their childhood on up and what people and their pers thought of them. If your a Beatle fan this is a must. It is a easy read for children and adults. Thank You Dan Gutman for putting all this information into this book I loved it. Thank You netgalley for letting me read this
October 20, 2023
What an incredibly fun series for kids! Put this series into the hands of kids who would like biographies but are looking for something a little different than the “Who Was?” series. This is also a good contender for kids who are intimidated by chapter books but would like to learn about someone famous. The text is set up to be mostly conversational between two kids. So there are short snippets of informational text shared between the two of them. Illustrations too are sprinkled throughout the book. This is the 7th book in the series. Titles are catchy and covers are cartoon like.
May 1, 2024
This was a fun audiobook I picked up at random. I am a lifelong Beatles fan and already knew most of this facts in this book, but did learn a few new things as well. I listened to it while on a visit to London so that made it even more enjoyable since I made a stop to the Abbey Road Studios and walked the crossing there like on their album cover. Wasn't a huge fan of the two audiobook narrators, but I suspect that the physical book had a lot of cutesy illustrations with two characters sharing facts back and forth and they were trying to capture that vibe.
July 5, 2024
I LOVE this little Beatles fact book! Dan Gutman is such a fantastic writer for all ages! Plus, cute little illustrations!
Even though this book is geared towards kids, it's a great read for all ages! Whether you're new to the beloved band or an ultra-fan (such as myself), fun is to be had here! The facts go beyond the surface level, so you'll likely learn something new! It's both fun and informative! This book is filled with the type of humor that would make the Beatles proud!
As a Beatles fan, I'd love to add this book to my own library!
Even though this book is geared towards kids, it's a great read for all ages! Whether you're new to the beloved band or an ultra-fan (such as myself), fun is to be had here! The facts go beyond the surface level, so you'll likely learn something new! It's both fun and informative! This book is filled with the type of humor that would make the Beatles proud!
As a Beatles fan, I'd love to add this book to my own library!
June 9, 2023
This book was super cute.
It covers so many Beatles facts, but in such a cute, fun and unique way!
I love the cartoon pictures, and love the way the text is broken down into a 'script-like' format, making it very easy to read for little ones.
The only downside of this book is that it is American, so only focusses on the Beatles from a US perspective, which is disappointing for me as a UK Beatles fan.
It covers so many Beatles facts, but in such a cute, fun and unique way!
I love the cartoon pictures, and love the way the text is broken down into a 'script-like' format, making it very easy to read for little ones.
The only downside of this book is that it is American, so only focusses on the Beatles from a US perspective, which is disappointing for me as a UK Beatles fan.
July 20, 2023
I love this series! It has a very clever premise, a unique style, and unusual subjects. Here we learn lots about the Beatles. I didn't think I could learn anything new about the Beatles, but I was wrong. Essentially, the book covers 4 people, both as a group and as individuals. I highly recommend this series, and I cannot wait to see who is covered next! Thanks to NetGalley, W. W. Norton & Company, and Norton Young Readers for providing an ARC.
December 31, 2023
I bought this book because of Jackie Spencer, who we were lucky enough to tour Liverpool with. I thinks she’s fab and she assisted the author and got a thank you in the book. When I heard about it, I had to get a copy - this book is so incredibly cute- written for young readers, but I learned several new facts I had never been aware of. If you are a true Beatles fan, it’s definitely worth the read even as an adult!!
July 17, 2023
This book is so much fun! I love the easy to read format that it’s written in - told by two kids with lots of white space on the page so it’s not as overwhelming for younger readers. The illustrations and quotes add a fun and interesting layer to the text. Dan really did his research with all the fun facts he dug up. Great job!
July 31, 2023
This is a great read for any young Beatles fans, and both my 8 year old son and 12 year old daughter enjoyed flicking through this easy read.
It’s written in part as a conversation between the two authors and has lots of interesting facts and anecdotes about the band and their history as well as fun illustrations
It’s written in part as a conversation between the two authors and has lots of interesting facts and anecdotes about the band and their history as well as fun illustrations
September 17, 2023
I really enjoy the format of this series, and I think lots of kids will appreciate the dialog between our two lead characters. This particular volume is SO detailed about the Beatles that I wonder whether there are many kids who will be excited about it. Especially the sections that are full of puns based on song titles. As an adult, I was charmed, but I know I am not the intended audience.
October 4, 2023
I enjoyed the way the history of the Beatles' lives was shared in a fun conversation format between kids. I also loved the drawings. This is a great addition to any children's bookshelf. Worth the time to read!
October 7, 2023
Beatles music
I have read so many stories about The Beatles. This one however, gave me facts that I never knew several of them. This book is not only educational, but there are several so many funny parts as well.
I have read so many stories about The Beatles. This one however, gave me facts that I never knew several of them. This book is not only educational, but there are several so many funny parts as well.
December 2, 2023
4 stars (I really liked it)
It was so interesting to learn so much about the Beatles! The banter between the siblings is meh (I mostly tune out who is saying what after a while) but I do like the way the information is presented.
It was so interesting to learn so much about the Beatles! The banter between the siblings is meh (I mostly tune out who is saying what after a while) but I do like the way the information is presented.
January 12, 2024
This is a good short book that discusses the Beatles and the music they made. It is interesting that four young men made music that is seen as being terribly important, but they were just four friends. In the world today, it is almost immpossible to find people who do not know their music.
February 9, 2024
Great nonfiction piece full of less know facts about The Beatles. If you’re a Beatles fan or a music fan and b maybe even if you’re neither, you should try it! It seems most appropriate for middle grade readers, but fun for adults too!
March 26, 2024
Sure, it's a kid's book, but for those interested in the Beatles but who do not want to read a conventional biography (or biographies), these quick tidbits are very satisfying. And they can possibly inspire the reader to find a more specific band member or life episode to explore!
April 3, 2024
Calling all Beatles fans this is the book for you! This book is full of many facts, tidbits and info about our beloved Beatles! This book was interesting and is a must read!
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Want to read
May 26, 2023Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
August 11, 2023
Light hearted look at the Beatles that explains why they’re still relevant. Fun cartoons and a bantering tone make for a fun read. And it even contained trivia that stumped my Beatle fanatic spouse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews