  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 12/01/2011 The evocative lyrics of Dylan’s classic have been blowing in the wind for almost 50 years. Now comes a picture book that illustrates the song. Muth has set a difficult task for himself, that of making the message about universal rights relevant to a young audience. He remembers in an endnote how he first heard the song as a 12-year-old listening to a transistor radio. He wanted to find a visual element that children could follow through the story and chose a paper airplane. Here, in soft watercolor spreads, children, individually and in small groups, follow the airplane across fields and seas, seeing ice floes melt and people behind a wall. A red balloon and a guitar are other images that repeatedly appear. The final spread shows children playing, while behind them a cannon is sheathed in the flags of several countries. The intended age group may not understand all the specifics, but they will be moved by the feelings engendered by the words. An accompanying CD provides the opportunity to hear Dylan’s original. - Copyright 2011 Booklist. School Library Journal - 01/01/2012 K-Gr 4—The lyrics of Dylan's classic song do not stand alone, so the inclusion of the original recording is critical. An artist's note explains Muth's relationship with the song and the reason for the paper airplanes in each illustration (the "answers" might be on the sheets of paper blowing in the wind). A note from a music historian provides context for the song's genesis and explains its timelessness. Both notes are interesting and enriching, but geared toward older readers. Muth's watercolor paintings are delicate and beautiful; however, they are somewhat abstract and do not always work with the words. The combination of adult lyrics mentioning injustice and death with illustrations of youngsters carrying balls and balloons is somewhat jarring. Older children and teens would get the most out of the lyrics and history, but may be turned off by the art. Children who would relate to the illustrations may find the song too solemn and difficult to comprehend. Teachers of music and/or history, and fans of folk music will be pleased with the book, but its oddness may narrow its general appeal.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL - Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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