Kid Konnection: Blowin' in the Wind

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a very special picture book that Booking Son and I enjoyed this past week.

Summary: With words by one of the most admired songwriters of all time and illustrations by a Caldecott Honor medalist, this powerful and timely picture book will be treasured by adults and children alike.

Following the success of Man Gave Names to All the Animals comes a stunning version of Bob Dylan's beloved song: the anthemic “Blowin' in the Wind.” Jon J Muth is the perfect artist to interpret Dylan's poetic lyrics for a new generation of readers.

This beautiful edition includes a CD of Dylan's original 1963 recording, plus a special note by renowned music columnist Greil Marcus, putting the song in historical context. -- Sterling

Do you remember a few months ago when I mentioned a beautiful book called MAN GAVE NAMES TO ALL THE ANIMALS which was based on the song by Bob Dylan? Both Booking Son and I absolutely loved it. So you can imagine how excited we were when we received another book based on a classic Bob Dylan song. This picture book, which also happens to be incredibly gorgeous, is called BLOWIN' IN THE WIND; and the text of the story is based on the lyrics of the timeless Bob Dylan song by the same name.

For anyone who is at all familiar with Bob Dylan, you know how poetic his lyrics are; and BLOWIN' IN THE WIND certainly illustrates this fact. I think it goes without saying that Dylan's words have the potential to work perfectly in a children's book; and I so appreciate that Blowin' in the Wind translates so well. And as much as I do think the lyrics work beautifully as text, I am very, very grateful that this book also includes a CD of Bob Dylan's original 1963 recording! I truly enjoyed sharing both the book and the CD with my son.

I admit that the lyrics and the song hold a special place in my heart, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the beautiful illustrations by the Caldecott Honor Medalist Jon J Muth. I think the illustrations truly make BLOWIN' IN THE WIND a spectacular book. They are absolutely gorgeous and truly the perfect complement to Dylan's poetic lyrics. Each watercolor representation is more wonderful than the next, and I love how well they capture the meaning of the song.

Of course, BLOWIN' IN THE WIND is one book that I will never tire of reading to Booking Son (or should I say having read to me?) After reading hundreds of picture books through the years, I get so excited when I discover one that my children and I both adore. And I think that's exactly what makes BLOWIN' IN THE WIND such a special book. Parents and children alike will look forward to reading it.

I know it's getting close to the holidays and many of you are starting to think about gift ideas. BLOWIN' IN THE WIND is a wonderful book to share with the children in your life, and I highly recommend it!

Thanks to Andrea Burnett Public Relations for sending a copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!