Queen: The Unauthorized Biography (Band Bios)

This inaugural installment of the Band Bios series centers Farrokh Bulsara (1946–1991), better known by his stage name, Freddie Mercury. Beginning with an illustrated timeline of Mercury’s life, starting with his childhood in Zanzibar and Bombary, Mariño segues to accessible coverage of his childhood singing in a choir, performing in plays, and playing in a rock band; his college years at Ealing, meeting fellow art student Tim Staffell, the front man of the group that would become Queen; and finding worldwide success with the band of the “powerful, short, and undeniably striking name.” Castelló augments with scribbly graphic text art; illustrated quotes round out the visuals. The focus on dates and minutiae will likely make this more of a draw for established adult fans, but young readers may still find this a compelling look at British rock’s visionary “Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy” and the kind of magic Queen conjured. Simultaneously available: Depeche Mode: The Unauthorized Biography. Ages 4–8. [em](Aug.) [/em]