Many fans were very shocked to learn that legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was going to become an author of a children's books, but what they didn't realize was the significance of the story being told.


Richards' children's book was inspired by his grandfather

Richards' picture book for infants, titled 'Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar,' was a family collaboration as his eldest daughter Theodora Richards, who is an artist, drew all the illustrations.

More: Keith Richards, Billy Crystal, The Fonz: The Celebrity Children's Book Author Club

The inspiration for the story is very personal to the musician, it is based from his 2010 memoir 'Life' and depicts the first time he was introduced to music by his grandfather Gus. Theodore Augustus Dupree (Gus) was a member in a jazz band and was the reason why Keith became interested in playing the guitar.

"This one came around sort of behind my back," Richards recently said in a Q&A. "It happened to coincide with my first daughter, Angela (from a previous relationship) having my fifth grandchild, and I realized that I wanted to give my own grandfather his due for having turned me on to music."

The upcoming book will contain photos of his grandfather as well as other personal family snaps.

More: Keith Richards' Children's Book Inspired By His Grandfather, Theodore

"I would be the only lad at family gatherings," Richards recalled of spending time with his grandfather. "He'd say, 'Let's take the dogs for a walk,' and we'd wander off. He would take me to music shops, thrift shops. I was too young to always know what he was up to, but there was usually a bit of wheeling and dealing. He'd come out with a brand-new set of strings for his violin, or a nice piece of fish to take home to Mother."


The legendary rocker word on the book with his artist daughter, Theodora

The singer/songwriter's grandpa "sussed me out for a guitar player" at a very young age. "I was a Roy Rogers freak. There was a man who could ride a horse, shoot straight and play a guitar. To me that was the epitome of a hero. Nothing to shoot? Just get the guitar out. And that's how Gus got hold of my imagination," he continued.

Although the book is just for youngsters, Richards does want it to reflect the impact his grandparent had on his life. "The only juice I'm trying to get out of this is to put grandparents more in touch with grandkids, and vice versa. Look - I'm a shining example of what could happen!" he concluded.

'Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar' is available from Tuesday (Sept 9th).