The lyrics from Bob Dylan's song, If Dogs Run Free, are used as the text for this poetic picture-book, with watercolor artwork contributed by Scott Campbell, whose illustrations can also be found in such titles as East Dragon, West Dragon and the recent XO, Ox. Dogs and children cavort on these pages, racing trains, playing on playgrounds, and flying through the air.

Although a great admirer of many of Bob Dylan's songs, particularly when performed by other artists (Peter, Paul and Mary; Joan Baez, etc.), I am not familiar with If Dogs Run Free, and I can't help but feel that this affected my appreciation for this picture-book. Would a familiarity with this song, as performed, increase my enjoyment of it? Possibly, but be that as it may, I found the text here, when read on the page, rather disjointed and random. The artwork also didn't particularly impress me, although (once again) I have enjoyed Campbell's illustrations in other picture-books. I suspect I'm in the minority here, but If Dogs Run Free just didn't do anything for me, and is one that I suspect will have appeal mostly for Bob Dylan fans, rather than a more general audience. ( )