Bob Dylan Song to Become Children’s Book?

In “best thing to ever happen to a Christian children’s book” news, Rolling Stone is reporting that Bob Dylan‘s religious song “Man Gave Names to All the Animals” is now the basis for a children’s picture book.

The book, with pictures by artist Jim Arnosky, is due out this September, according to a press release from Sterling Children’s Books. To help lull the unsuspecting child to sleep, Man Gave Names to All the Animals will come with a CD containing the original song.

"Man Gave Names to All the Animals" was copywritten in 1979, more than 15 years after Dylan made his name on the New York City folk scene. The song appeared on 1979’s Slow Train Coming, Dylan’s first album after converting to born again Christianity, and first good album after a couple of “Meh“ late 70 attempts (Desire, Street Legal). Not that Dylan should be blamed, there was more than a little awful music in the Late 70s.

Jim Arnosky was always entranced by the imagery in Dylan’s song. "From the first time I heard it, the lyrics created pictures in my mind of a land of primeval beauty," said Arnosky. "I thought this vision would make a dream of a book, and I asked for Bob Dylan's permission to make this dream come true. Happily, he said yes."

The author is hoping for a sequel where Dylan’s animals eat the Jesusy Produce from Veggie Tales

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