Stars: *****
Change the Universe Press (May 2009)
978-0-615-21144-2
Illustrations by Barbara Mendes
Picture Book 32 pages
I received this book from KSB Promotions for review. I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about Woodstock. My parents were born in 1956 and 1960 and 9 and 13 when it happened so needless to say, they didn’t attend. So when I heard of this book, I was intrigued. What better way to learn the very basics of Woodstock than reading a picture book about it.
2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival which is why Change the Universe Press came out with this book. Let me share some outside praise the book received:
“Lets the light of Woodstock shine on a new generation,” raves Richie Havens, guitarist and singer who was the opening act at Woodstock. Naomi Howland, children’s book author and illustrator says this book “is a jubilant reminder of Max Yasgur’s generosity.” Elliot Landy official photographer of the 1969 Woodstock festival: “A good way to introduce little children to the most positive cultural event of the century – the 1969 Woodstock Festival.”
The story gives the basics of what happened in simple, but not too simple words, good for ages 4-9 perhaps. The illustrations are very hippie-esque with bright colours and lots of peace signs and swirly colours. A child reading the book will have some questions, especially what the Aquarian age is. This would be better read together with an adult. The back of the book has a note on the Woodstock Festival that explains it more and the words to the Woodstock song by Joni Mitchell.
The ONLY problem I had with the book is the last two lines which read:
“Ask mom and dad, who won’t forget
Yasgur’s farm, where thousands met.”
Well as a parent, if I’m reading this to my children, not only did their parents (me) not go to Woodstock, neither did their grandparents (as mentioned above.) So this may be confusing to some.
The book was written by Abigail Yasgur, who IS related to Max and her husband and co-writer Joseph Lipner. You can find out more at http://www.maxsaidyes.com
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