Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell

An inspired and creative ode to the inimitable Joni Mitchell. (author’s note, discography, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

Copyright 2020 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission. 

This loose biography of the legendary singer-songwriter centers on Mitchell's feelings while tying popular songs ("Chelsea Morning," "Woodstock") to biographical moments. This emphasis, rendered in affirmational language--"hearing all these natural feelings sung out loud helped people feel understood"--focuses on the sense of Mitchell's music as much as the facts of her life and artistry. Alko follows Mitchell's life from her childhood in small-town Canada (she felt "like an upside-down bird on a wire") to her bout with polio ("she wished she could kick and scream") and later relationships ("she fell in and out of love and cried all the time"). Portrayals of her professional life also focus on feel (regarding negative reactions to her album Mingus, "Joni didn't care."). Layered mixed-media collages featuring cut paper, found images, and colorful smears of paint effectively evoke the richly rendered emotional landscapes of Mitchell's songwriting. An author's note, discography, and bibliography conclude. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

PreS-Gr 3--Canadian author-illustrator Alko offers an homage to fellow countrywoman Joni Mitchell. This portrait delves into the experiences that influenced her career, spotlighting the heartfelt, poetic lyrics that spoke to and defined a generation. Even today, long after she first gained a devoted international following in the 1960s and 1970s, Mitchell's albums--showcasing her impressive vocal range, quirky melodies, and driving piano and guitar riffs--still appeal to nostalgic listeners. This is an admiring, fact-filled, though not entirely successful book. The author aims for lyricism but sometimes the descriptions seem vague. The targeted audience is far removed from Mitchell's heyday. Therefore, young readers will likely not have heard her songs or even heard of her. Some may believe the appeal of Mitchell's music to young children is questionable except, perhaps, for bouncy classics like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Chelsea Morning." Regrettable omissions are QR codes and/or links in the back matter to Mitchell's tunes, though a discography is included. Alko employs collage, acrylics, found objects, and wildflowers to create the colorful illustrations, which are are appealing and inventive. Numerous snippets of Mitchell's lyrics playfully drift through the pages. VERDICT Nonessential. Recommended for school and large public collections. Use in units on music appreciation and women recording artists.--Carol Goldman, formerly at Queens Library, NY