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 · 464 ratings  · 116 reviews
Start your review of The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny)
Kelly
Jun 28, 2016 rated it liked it
This book is okay. However, the fact that The Beatles' sound was inspired by African American music should ALWAYS be stated--no matter if it's a book for adults or children. Books that constantly leave this all-important FACT out, are definitely NOT funny.

Sorry, but I tell it like it is. Whitewashing can take place at any level.

This book is okay. However, the fact that The Beatles' sound was inspired by African American music should ALWAYS be stated--no matter if it's a book for adults or children. Books that constantly leave this all-important FACT out, are definitely NOT funny.

Sorry, but I tell it like it is. Whitewashing can take place at any level.

...more
Tina
Sep 29, 2019 rated it really liked it
Beatle picture books, yeah yeah yeah!
Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)
This was an excellent picture book biography.
Dina
Oct 27, 2021 rated it it was amazing
There once was a time when the Beatles brought the world together to have one thing in common...Beatlemania. The authors of this book introduce one generation's musical craze to the current one. At the same time, they provide readers with insight into each musician's quirky humor and traits. Readers get a frontline view of who they individually were as people through their ups and downs in life. It ultimately allows us to distinguish each musician's character through quotes, jokes, and life expe There once was a time when the Beatles brought the world together to have one thing in common...Beatlemania. The authors of this book introduce one generation's musical craze to the current one. At the same time, they provide readers with insight into each musician's quirky humor and traits. Readers get a frontline view of who they individually were as people through their ups and downs in life. It ultimately allows us to distinguish each musician's character through quotes, jokes, and life experiences. In my opinion, this component brings the group back to life and makes the Beatles seem accessible. The originality in the illustrator's acrylic paintings elevates the personality and the laid-back approach to presenting a biography. The Beatles depicted as cartoon characters young readers can find the subject appealing beyond the written components. I gave this book a five because I enjoyed the book as a Beatles fan. Overall the book was radiant in its delivery and managed to capture and keep my attention throughout the entire read. ...more
Tasha
Nov 30, 2012 rated it really liked it
This is a picture book biography of The Beatles that captures their humor and the way that they used it in their music and lifestyle. The book begins with the formation of the band and the fun they had naming themselves. The book talks about their use of silliness and jokes to keep their spirits up as they struggled to make it, looking for a record deal. When success came, it came quickly and with success came fame and fans. Then there was the Beatlesmania craze that swept the United States, not This is a picture book biography of The Beatles that captures their humor and the way that they used it in their music and lifestyle. The book begins with the formation of the band and the fun they had naming themselves. The book talks about their use of silliness and jokes to keep their spirits up as they struggled to make it, looking for a record deal. When success came, it came quickly and with success came fame and fans. Then there was the Beatlesmania craze that swept the United States, nothing like it had been seen before or since. Krull includes some small details like American fans throwing jellybeans on stage because the band said they liked jellybabies, but jellybabies are soft where jellybeans are certainly not. She then has a section on each Beatle and some of the interesting responses they gave during interviews. This is a merry and fast-moving look at one of the greatest bands of all time.

Krull injects her nonfiction work with humor and zest. She tells specific stories that offer insight into the Beatles nature. It is a treat to hear their own words but it is also wonderful to read about moments in history that are revealing about their character. Krull and Brewer skillfully end the book before drug use became an issue for the band. Instead they focus on the early Beatles and their humor rather than the complexity of the later Beatles music and attitudes.

Innerst's illustrations are just as humorous and playful as the stories that Krull and Brewer tell. The characters have a feel of bobble-heads and a strong modern vibe. She uses bright colors that match the energy of the text. I have to say, I am particularly partial to Ringo's nose in the illustrations.

This strong picture book biography is not made for research, but instead fans of the Beatles can share part of their story with children and everyone is sure to end up humming some of the songs. Appropriate for ages 6-9.

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Barbara
Jun 29, 2013 rated it really liked it
Do we still love them? Yeah, yeah, yeah! Those of us who grew up alongside the Beatles can recall when it was practically impossible to avoid hearing their music on the airwaves. Although I remember all the attention paid to their arrival in the United States and their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, I can also remember how their music evolved over time. Unlike some of my classmates during Beatlemania, I didn't have a crush on one of the band members, though, preferring the music as a whole. Do we still love them? Yeah, yeah, yeah! Those of us who grew up alongside the Beatles can recall when it was practically impossible to avoid hearing their music on the airwaves. Although I remember all the attention paid to their arrival in the United States and their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, I can also remember how their music evolved over time. Unlike some of my classmates during Beatlemania, I didn't have a crush on one of the band members, though, preferring the music as a whole. Why am I sharing this memories? This fab new picture book will return readers to the 1960s when the Beatles arrived on the music scene, and everything started to change. The authors briefly mention Liverpool, where John, Paul, Ringo, and George grew up, but mostly she shares humorous moments from their rise to fame. By doing so, they give readers glimpses into their personalities and their reactions to this unbelievable occurrence. The text and the acrylic and ink illustrations abound with playful moments, symbols, physical characteristics, and scenes that die-hard fans and new fans will enjoy. For instance, their fans in this country threw jelly beans onto the stage when they were performing to show their love. I love how the next-to-last illustration shows the four men striding off into the future, their metamorphosis into different individuals just starting. It's highly likely that adults will savor this book while sharing it with the next generation or the next and listening to all those songs that reached number one on the record charts. While the authors eschew the unsavory details behind the band's break-up, a list of references provides more reading for the curious. ...more
Mark
Aug 26, 2013 rated it it was amazing
A fun and informative book, focusing on the early years of the band's formation and world domination. The illustrations are masterful, and this might be a book that starts to draw my preteen daughter toward the band's music. A fun and informative book, focusing on the early years of the band's formation and world domination. The illustrations are masterful, and this might be a book that starts to draw my preteen daughter toward the band's music. ...more
Marissa Morrison
Great read-aloud with a second grader, with lots of funny quotes from the Beatles and opportunities to burst into song.
Ella Schilling
Sep 18, 2020 rated it really liked it
Another Beatles picture book! They are so much fun to read. This one features stellar acrylic paintings in the loose but encapsulative style of Picasso. Click here to see what I mean!

INSANE LEVEL OF RESEARCH AND DETAIL INTO THE MINUTIAE
- The Rainbows? The Pieces of Eight? This is Lewisohnian-level depth of research. Well done!
- Crikey. The 17 or 18 takes for "Love Me Do". Deep research indeed!
- The red horse necktie motif — TO QUOTE FROM THE BIBLE ITSELF:

George Martin did not instantly appreciat

Another Beatles picture book! They are so much fun to read. This one features stellar acrylic paintings in the loose but encapsulative style of Picasso. Click here to see what I mean!

INSANE LEVEL OF RESEARCH AND DETAIL INTO THE MINUTIAE
- The Rainbows? The Pieces of Eight? This is Lewisohnian-level depth of research. Well done!
- Crikey. The 17 or 18 takes for "Love Me Do". Deep research indeed!
- The red horse necktie motif — TO QUOTE FROM THE BIBLE ITSELF:

George Martin did not instantly appreciate the joke (he was, he says, rather proud of his tie, black with a red horse motif, bought at Liberty's) and the younger George would remember a fleeting tension: "There was a moment of ohhhhh, but then we laughed and he did too. Being born in Liverpool you have to be a comedian."

- I'm losing my MIND with the level of accuracy and detail. TUNE IN was first published OCTOBER of 2013. This came out in MARCH. So this info definitely was not handed to the authors on a silver platter. Though of course, research in the 21st century is usually a breeze, given our immediate access to the interwebs.

- George's beautiful cherry red Chet Atkins Country Gentleman, with the two knobs on left, one on right, with the double pickups and wavy white pick guard. It is depicted accurately here. That's just one great example of many. Stacy Innerst (the illustrator) got John's lighter-coloured hair. Overall— accurate depictions of all the Beatles, including their clothes, postures, instruments and more!

The perspective of the acrylic paintings…. it's so evocative… and the charm and creativity and reimagining! Innerst will isolate a key, pivotal moment, bring it to the forefront, and paint it with drama. Also: the Ed Sullivan caricature is hilarious.

EVEN MORE DETAIL!
- The composition of "Bad to Me"
- "She loves you, yes, yes, yes"
- "Rattle your jewelry"
- "We love you Beatles, oh yes we do"
- The selling of cut-up hotel sheets
- "Policeman bit my head off" (The quote is in Anthology, apparently. I hadn't heard of it before. I still have to get my hands on that bleedin' coffee table book!)
- There's a quote, "We went to Greenland and made a left turn.", that is attributed to Ringo. But who can forget Lennon's classic "Turn left at Greenland!" quote? Now I'm confused. Did they both make essentially the same quip about Greenland when asked how they'd found America? Who said it first?

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Madison
Nov 29, 2021 rated it it was amazing
This is a graphic book biography of The Beatles that captures their sense of humor and how they applied it to their music and way of life. The story starts with the band's formation. The book discusses how they used hilarity and jokes to keep their spirits up as they struggled to find a record deal. When success came, it came quickly, and it brought fans with it. Then there came the Beatlesmania craze, which had never been seen before or since in the United States. Krull includes a few little de This is a graphic book biography of The Beatles that captures their sense of humor and how they applied it to their music and way of life. The story starts with the band's formation. The book discusses how they used hilarity and jokes to keep their spirits up as they struggled to find a record deal. When success came, it came quickly, and it brought fans with it. Then there came the Beatlesmania craze, which had never been seen before or since in the United States. Krull includes a few little details, such as American fans throwing jellybeans on stage since the band mentioned they favored jelly babies. She then goes into detail on each Beatle, including some of the most unusual comments they offered during interviews. Krull infuses her nonfiction with wit and vigor. She offers unique stories about the Beatles that shed light on their personalities. It's amazing to hear their own words, but it's also fascinating to read about historical events that show something about their personality. To keep the book kid-friendly, Krull and Brewer end the book, right before drug use became an issue within the band. Rather than the depth of the later Beatles' music and attitudes, they focus on the early Beatles and their comedy. Innerst's pictures are just as amusing and whimsical as Krull and Brewer's story. The characters have a bobblehead feel to them, as well as a distinctly modern flavor. She employs vibrant colors that complement the text's vigor. This strong picture book biography is not intended for study, but rather for Beatles fans to share a piece of their life with children, and everyone will like it. Like Simon & Garfunkel, I grew up listening to the Beatles and spent most of my senior year of high school just listening to their Spotify page. I love how Krull and Brewer made this book for both adults and kids, leaving out the mature content, but also making it fun. ...more
Maddie Russell
"The Beatles Were Fab" tells the story of the iconic British band's journey from humble countryside beginnings to international stardom. Including quirky characteristics of each of the band members, Krull paints an interestingly in-depth, yet quite comical "behind the scenes" picture of the Beatles.

Illustrations: acrylic and ink, by Kathleen Krull

While I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of the book "The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny)" I particularly appreciated the section in which Krull

"The Beatles Were Fab" tells the story of the iconic British band's journey from humble countryside beginnings to international stardom. Including quirky characteristics of each of the band members, Krull paints an interestingly in-depth, yet quite comical "behind the scenes" picture of the Beatles.

Illustrations: acrylic and ink, by Kathleen Krull

While I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of the book "The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny)" I particularly appreciated the section in which Krull focused on each individual band member. Because she included a plethora of direct quotes from each of the five men, this section, in junction with her detailed description of each band member, gave readers an insight into the Beatles that starkly contrasts the brief glimpse that the fanatic members of "Beatle-mania" received from the stages and screens, a period of their history which Krull also describes in the book. Paired with vivd, playful illustrations, "The Beatles Were Fab" is a factual, yet entertaining non-fiction read that would be a great piece in a music history or American culture lesson, or simply a charming story for an independent reader.

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Miss Ryoko
This book reminded me why I love the Beatles so much - they're music is fantastic, and it is an understatement (in my opinion) to say they were musically creative - but what I love most about them is how hilarious and witty they are. All four of them have such great wit and humor. They're movies are wonderful for this, but the quotes in this book were so great and so them. Love me the Fab Four that's for sure! This book reminded me why I love the Beatles so much - they're music is fantastic, and it is an understatement (in my opinion) to say they were musically creative - but what I love most about them is how hilarious and witty they are. All four of them have such great wit and humor. They're movies are wonderful for this, but the quotes in this book were so great and so them. Love me the Fab Four that's for sure! ...more
Suebee
Jul 30, 2019 rated it really liked it
I enjoyed this book as a follow-up to "Who Were the Beatles?," which I read in order to teach my art/music class at homeschool co-op. I liked that it really captured the humorous spirit of the Beatles. Readers who are wanting a more factual account of their career and lives should check out "Who Were the Beatles?," however, because this book is limited on facts and dates. I was not hugely impressed by the illustrations. I enjoyed this book as a follow-up to "Who Were the Beatles?," which I read in order to teach my art/music class at homeschool co-op. I liked that it really captured the humorous spirit of the Beatles. Readers who are wanting a more factual account of their career and lives should check out "Who Were the Beatles?," however, because this book is limited on facts and dates. I was not hugely impressed by the illustrations. ...more
Annie
Jun 13, 2017 rated it really liked it
The Beatles Were Fab is a funny nonfiction biography of famous band The Beatles for children. Although this is an unusual topic for a children's book, it works well and may just spark the interest of a future music enthusiast. The art in this book is also impressive, with painted cartoon figures complementing the timeline and humorous illustrations of the members of the band. The Beatles Were Fab is a funny nonfiction biography of famous band The Beatles for children. Although this is an unusual topic for a children's book, it works well and may just spark the interest of a future music enthusiast. The art in this book is also impressive, with painted cartoon figures complementing the timeline and humorous illustrations of the members of the band. ...more
Ami
Jun 19, 2017 rated it really liked it
Funny picture book with great illustrations that discussed the early years of the Beatles' careers. I love a lot of the Beatles' music, so my daughter recognized some of the songs which made her enjoy this book that much more. Funny picture book with great illustrations that discussed the early years of the Beatles' careers. I love a lot of the Beatles' music, so my daughter recognized some of the songs which made her enjoy this book that much more. ...more
Nole
Mar 15, 2018 rated it it was amazing
I love this non fiction book about the formation and run of the greatest band of all time. I would like to use this in my influential people lesson. I also think that I will implement music and its cultural impact in my class and this would be a great book to add to that text set.
Bill
Jul 21, 2020 rated it liked it
A cute and charming book with nice illustrations. Clearly a book intended for children focused on how the Beatles were funny. But since it's a Beatles' book and my daughter knows I love all things Beatles, she gave this to me as part of my birthday gift. So I read it! A cute and charming book with nice illustrations. Clearly a book intended for children focused on how the Beatles were funny. But since it's a Beatles' book and my daughter knows I love all things Beatles, she gave this to me as part of my birthday gift. So I read it! ...more
Laura Cushing
Sep 18, 2017 rated it it was amazing
A beautifully illustrated children's introduction to the Beatles. Picked up at a library book sale to donate to my friends children's book collection project. A beautifully illustrated children's introduction to the Beatles. Picked up at a library book sale to donate to my friends children's book collection project. ...more
Stephanie Molnar
Nice beginning but then it just abruptly ends.
Miss Sarah
A cute elementary level biogrpahy of the music group the beatles. The book covers their story along with humor they used to cope with growing fame.
Lynn  Davidson
Aug 31, 2019 rated it it was amazing
This is a brief history of the famous rock-and-roll band The Beatles. Very interesting facts and funny comments. Great illustrations.
Vern
Nov 14, 2019 rated it really liked it
Fun little book. Would have liked something about influences. And rooftop concert.
Viviane Elbee
Oct 27, 2021 rated it it was amazing
Great book about the Beatles! Would recommend to young Beatles fans, music fans, and to people who enjoy non-fiction biographies.
Carrie Jacobs
I Contain
Mar 04, 2017 rated it really liked it
Very fun book for ME to read as a mega Beatles fan, however I can't really see how a child might enjoy it unless they were subjected constantly to a parent's fandom. Very fun book for ME to read as a mega Beatles fan, however I can't really see how a child might enjoy it unless they were subjected constantly to a parent's fandom. ...more
Klaudia Janek
Recommended [return][return]An illustrated historical picture book about The Beatles. The book starts out with a quote before the title page by Kurt Vonnegut who said, "A plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. [When] asked if I know of any artists who puled that off, I reply, 'The Beatles did." Not sure if younger children would appreciate the quote, but I thought it was really powerful. The book starts out in the 1950's in Liverpool during h Recommended [return][return]An illustrated historical picture book about The Beatles. The book starts out with a quote before the title page by Kurt Vonnegut who said, "A plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. [When] asked if I know of any artists who puled that off, I reply, 'The Beatles did." Not sure if younger children would appreciate the quote, but I thought it was really powerful. The book starts out in the 1950's in Liverpool during hard times, but music made life better. John, Paul, George and Ringo were lifelong friends who liked to make music, joke around and have a good time. They named themselves in the 1960's and dreamed of getting to the top. Beatlemania is introduced along with the fact that they the first rock group that played for the British Royal Family. In 1964, The Beatles received a telegram that "I want to hold your hand" made the number one spot in the US. The concept of a telegram might have to be explained at this point in the book. When The Beatles landed in New York, they made their first US television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was the most watched TV show in history. They were in for a crazy ride! They went from playing in smoky bars to holding the largest concert in history in Shea Stadium in New York for 55,600 fans. The Beatles then returned to the studio and recorded more than 200 songs together. Their music is still making an impact.[return]This was a very informative picture book. It's presented in a simple way with well done research and art. This book is a must have for Beatles fans. I think that a lot of children are aware of The Beatles, especially since there was a Rock Band version of Beatles music. I think the illustrations evoke the 1960's. The jellybeans on the inside covers are explained throughout the story. The caricatures of the band members do represent them in a silly way, which goes along with the idea that they liked to joke and have fun all the time. I'm not sure that younger students would appreciate the impact The Beatles had on music history, but maybe that just comes later after they do more research. There is a nice timeline and list of sources at the end of the book.[return]This would make for a great read during silent reading in the library or classroom. It's a little too detailed for a read aloud. Some background information might have to be given to younger children. I do agree with the other reviews that students should listen to some of The Beatles songs to understand what they were about. Maybe watch some video of what the concerts looked like and how Beatlemania looked. It's a good example of historical fiction. It might also work for a biography unit (even though it covers four people) or a decades project on the 1960s-70s. This would be a great addition to the elementary school library or even a middle/high school library. ...more
Amy Ackerman
Twin Text: Bats in the Band by Brian Lies, 2014

Rational: Bats in the Band is a good pair for The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) because both books are about bands. By starting with a fun book with cute characters, I will be able to grab the attention of the students. This is important because many young students have never heard of the Beatles. They will learn about the Beatles, but also how the music makes people feel. "It's as though our souls are singing." (p.12) (Lies, 2014) This is

Twin Text: Bats in the Band by Brian Lies, 2014

Rational: Bats in the Band is a good pair for The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) because both books are about bands. By starting with a fun book with cute characters, I will be able to grab the attention of the students. This is important because many young students have never heard of the Beatles. They will learn about the Beatles, but also how the music makes people feel. "It's as though our souls are singing." (p.12) (Lies, 2014) This is a vital part of music that is also shared in the nonfiction text. "For decades after, their music would inspire people to sing along, dance, love, remember, cry, think, imagine- and laugh."(p.30) (Krull & Brewer, 2013)

Text Structure: The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) uses descriptive text and chronological sequence to share the story of the Beatles. The text tells the story of the rise of the band, but also provides some insight into each member's personality. The author includes a timeline at the end of the book for the reader. The illustrations in the book help the reader visualize the information given in the book.

Literacy Strategy: I would use a webbing reading strategy with students for this book. First, I would read Bats in the Band. We would begin the web with "band" in the center. With student input, I would write words around the web relating to the main topic. Then I would read The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny). The class would revisit our web and see if the words we wrote also applied to the band the Beatles. At this point, we would need to stop and determine how to organize the information. In the center would be "bands." We would separate the rest of the web into two sections- "the Beatles" and "other bands." Around the topic "the Beatles", the class would brainstorm all the specific things they could remember from the book about the Beatles. For an extension activity, the students would draw a picture of themselves in an imaginary band and write two to three sentences describing their band.

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Viv
Aug 12, 2013 rated it it was amazing
For non-Americans like myself, who didn't grow up knowing much about history and culture of American rock and pop music, this book is very entertaining and fun to read and got me wanted to listen to Beatles music. Of course, then I would soon find out, I hear their songs, ALL THE TIMES!! For anyone who already love the Beatles for years (or all their lives), this book would bring back the old memeories of chasing your favorite celebrity around the town, clipping every news about them, or crying For non-Americans like myself, who didn't grow up knowing much about history and culture of American rock and pop music, this book is very entertaining and fun to read and got me wanted to listen to Beatles music. Of course, then I would soon find out, I hear their songs, ALL THE TIMES!! For anyone who already love the Beatles for years (or all their lives), this book would bring back the old memeories of chasing your favorite celebrity around the town, clipping every news about them, or crying while listening to their music.

This book is a "must-have" in any public library's children's room. I can picture myself doing a booktalk with this book at a classroom visit, with their songs playing in the background or singing Twist and Shout with the class! I really enjoy reading about how they came to be who they were, how they tried to look at life and adjusted themselves to the sudden fame with amuesement and laughter instead of getting into drug/sex addiction, in and out the rehab like taking a walk in the park, alcoholism, dating weird people and breaking up and doing weird things....

The Beatles didn't just revolutionize the history of rock n' roll, they redefine the meaning of music in people's lives.

They are a band that every generation will always talk about, as long as there's human race, and they are the band that everyone on Earth must know about. And this book will do just that -- introduce the most important and famous band on planet Earth to youngsters.

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Amy
Apr 10, 2013 rated it it was amazing
I've loved the Beatles ever since I was a "wee child" and listened to my dad's double record "Red" album on our record player. Careful not to scratch them, I held them carefully at the edges as I slid them onto the record player. My favorite...Eight Days a week, followed by a reflective "Yesterday." Decades later (too many to mention), I haven't tired of the Fab Four at all. I still listen to them often and have introduced my own Beatle-loving daughter to them as well.

It is difficult for a child

I've loved the Beatles ever since I was a "wee child" and listened to my dad's double record "Red" album on our record player. Careful not to scratch them, I held them carefully at the edges as I slid them onto the record player. My favorite...Eight Days a week, followed by a reflective "Yesterday." Decades later (too many to mention), I haven't tired of the Fab Four at all. I still listen to them often and have introduced my own Beatle-loving daughter to them as well.

It is difficult for a children's author to capture the entirety of the Beatles. There is so much to say, and some of it is just too dark to share with young children (i.e drug use, murder). But Krull and Brewer do an excellent job of celebrating the highlights of this group who made such a profound impact on our culture during the 60s and beyond. The illustrations are a wonderful complement to the text of the book. Very well done! Do I love it? LOVE ME DO! :)

...more

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