Both Sides Now

For the sheer beauty of the illustrations, this book should be a classic. Although Alan Baker does a supreme effort in painting the words, the adult nature of the text really does not quite pair. Having said that, I highly recommend this book to any parent or library, looking for a heady dose of beauty and story line. Why? As a children's librarian, I tried to visualize how I would explain the words. All I could think of was Disney's Fantasia, another work that kind of soared over the heads of children. Then I thought these illustrations are too beautiful for children to miss and I started seeing the pictures against the backdrop of Joni Mitchell's voice. Another dimension took form. What children like, what they would feel when viewing such fanciful illustrations as Baker's and hearing Mitchell's words, I think, would be magic. There is a story here of two caterpillars eyeing each other, the images Baker presents with the words, such as butterfly clouds, scores of colorful butterflies and moths dancing to the words while the caterpillars look on. Then while one starts wrapping up, the other looks on. When the first emerges from the chrysalis, he looks at the other as if to say, Well, come on. The second morphs. The end leaves the viewer waiting for the second to morph again, all the while the first waiting. Fantasy, a delicate romance that children understand, and change--metamorphosis--what happens to us all as we go through life. Let me know how it turns out.

Joni Mitchell, feminine/insightful social voice and poet extrodinaire. This book is yet another example of her gift for words, through simple yet deeply profound lyric she says more, expresses more, shows more than others who toil for months even years to write a Children's book and still don't measure up to her talent. (When you got it you got it) The illustrations depicting a caterpillar's metamorphosis is appropriate with it's metaphysical imagery. Illustrator Allan Baker captures the magic of these classic lyrics beautifully.Why not for children? Life & Love & all of the above, as a critic I argue that children are multi-dimentional and capable of appreciating the spontaneity & playful rhymes that make this book a welcome addition to any child's (or adult for that matter) home library."Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air and feathered canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way."This book is a visual treat and a treasure for any fan of Ms. Mitchell. If you haven't come to appreciate her songs/writing, get this book and see why her style has been refered to as "A Lyrical Miracle!" Finally a kid's title with substance.Todd-Michael PhillipsCreative directoer CyPress Green Publishing"A kaleidoscope of the mind"