Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell by Selina Alko
Published by HarperCollins on February 25, 2020
ISBN: 0062671294
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

This picture book biography is beautifully written and illustrated. The illustrations consist of acrylic paint, collage, found objects, and wild flowers. They are full of detail drawing the reader in so as not to miss anything. Joni’s story begins in a small town in Canada. As a child, Joni painted, played piano, danced, and then contracted polio. She recovered and was encouraged by a teacher in junior high to look deep inside herself. Later, her music took her to many places. She connected and worked with a variety of other musicians. She created the artwork of many of her own album covers. She experimented with different types of music. Her life story is an inspiration to budding musicians and artists. The author’s note relates her personal connection to Joni Mitchell. A discography and bibliography are included.

Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish