This is the story of how Robert Zimmerman became Bob Dylan. Through art and story, it shows the transformation of a kid with big dreams! Although it does blend facts with fiction, there are referential resources at the end and an author's note. ( )

Summary: This introduction to a musical icon begins with young, Bob Zimmerman, growing up in a mining town in Minnesota. He always loved music and poetry and cherished their relationship together. He renamed himself after his favorite poet, Dylan Thomas. With this name change to Bob Dylan, he persues his dreams of becoming a musician in New York City. There he meets his mentor, Woody Guthrie, who changes his life and has faith in him. "Hey Woody, I wrote you a song... When he finished, Woody's face lit up like the sun".
Genre: Picture Book
Review: This book was so great and had to have been one of my favorites this term. I loved how beautiful the illustrations were and how the underlying message was to follow your dreams and have faith in yourself.

This picture book tells the story of young Bob Dylan as he realizes his dreams of becoming a musician while growing in in rural Minnesota. The book blends of facts with fiction to create a narrative story that begins at Bob’s birth, through his adolescence as he explores diverse musical styles, and concludes with his his meeting Woody Guthrie. The book uses a combination of text, pictures, and quotations to progress the narrative. The text provides the body of the narrative, while the painted pictures provide artistic interpretation of the story line. The pictures appear worn and tethered which is consistent with the mood and tone of the narrative. Quotations are scattered throughout the text that are reflective of the narrative and create Dylan’s experience to come through. Though some aspects of the narrative may be fictional, the back matter includes an afterword, a list of resources, citations for the quotations, and an author’s note which contextual this story as a work of non fiction. This book would be a good option for all grades. For younger grades, it would be appropriate as a read aloud. For middle grades as an example of factual storytelling. For upper grades as an entryway to a research paper on Bob Dylan. This is highly recommended for purchase as a biography or work of nonfiction in a school of public library. (Age 8-16) ( )

This is a delightful introduction to a musical icon. A picture book about how Bob Dylan's musical persona was formed and informed by his times and by the singers who were going to become his peers- what a grand idea! And how lovingly, reverentially executed here by Golio. The illustrations are splendid and evocative, but I'm afraid ol' Bob was never quite as handsome as herein depicted by Burckhardt. Highly recommended for people who like music, and essential for folkies and their children's children. ( )

Wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated story about young Bob Dylan meeting his idol Woody Guthrie. ( )