Pinkney, Andrea Davis. And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories. Daniel Minter, Illus. Hachette /Little Brown, 01/2025. 48pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-3161-8236-2. GRADES Kindergarten–Adult. OUTSTANDING.
This extraordinary poetic tribute to Morrison is perhaps destined to be more beloved by librarians than students but still offers a good amount of biographical detail in a picture book that reads like a love poem, as in this description of Morrison the editor: “You, Toni Morrison, first-of-the-first brown-skinned bosses, bringing color to an all-white literary landscape. Always reaching for the Black brass ring. Mining ebony gold.” Minter’s illustrations are acrylic paints over a watercolor wash that were then digitally edited and composed. Many feature elements that move throughout the book, such as white lines and flowers or specific hues that the artist feels represent Morrison and her work. The extensive back material includes notes by the author and illustrator, a timeline of Morrison’s life, selected works, and sources including articles, books, film, interviews. and websites. Review based on an ARC.
Rachael Reiley—Independent