Cicely Tyson

Together, the creators commemorate the life of actor Cicely Tyson (1924–2021), from her New York City childhood to her lengthy career in contemporary cinema. After a stranger predicts early on that she’ll make her mother proud, multitalented Tyson, who had roots in the West Indies, meanders through a series of successful vocations, always in search of “more,” until a chance encounter leads her to acting. In that capacity, Tyson finds her purpose, and in 2016 is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Incorporating lyrics from hymns and spirituals amid quotes from Tyson herself, Watson uses clarion prose to neatly interweave an homage to the acclaimed actor with information about all that influenced her. Shine uses quilting and embellishments to render this immaculate tribute, visually hinting at the fashion-forward figure’s lifelong passion for creating art across mediums. A timeline and author’s note conclude. Ages 4–8. (Nov.)