Talkin’ Guitar: A Story of Young Doc Watson by Robbin Gourley is a delightful story of the young Arthel Watson who came one of the most beloved and celebrated figures of folk, bluegrass and old-time music: Doc Watson. Set in his boyhood home in the Appalachian mountains, the story tells of Arthel’s attention to sound (train whistles, farm animals, the river rushing, his mother singing, his pappy playing banjo). His loved sound and music and couldn’t keep it inside, and taught himself to play harmonica, banjo, and guitar. This is a nicely illustrated story of a boy’s determination.

The book contains biographical information, and print and web resources.