Sweet Child O' Mine

Gr 1-4--A young girl spends time with adults who care about her in this gentle picture book version of the Guns N' Roses song. The story begins with the light-skinned girl singing into a flashlight while a white man who appears to be her father plays the guitar. Then the duo head out into nature where they run through the fields, pick flowers, and play in a stream. The original song lyrics are used in the text, but not all refrains are included, and the illustrations seem designed to create a feeling rather then tell a coherent story. The father figure is shown holding the girl during a storm in an illustration paired with the lyrics, "I'd hate to look into those eyes to see an ounce of pain." The pair eventually meet up with a woman who is most likely the biracial child's mother, and they all head to a country fairground where the girl takes to the stage and sings in front of a small crowd. Zivion's painted illustrations are colorful and upbeat, showing three people who are affectionate with each other and clearly enjoy being together. The book was inspired by Maya and Natalia Rose, two girls who grew up touring with Guns N' Roses, according to a note from the publisher. In a not-so-subtle nod to the band's name, nearly every illustration contains a red rose. VERDICT The illustrations don't quite match the lyrics, but the images convey tenderness and joy. Recommended for larger collections.--Melanie Kletter, School Library Journal