And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories

Reiteratively employing the refrain “And she was loved...,” this telling traces the life and work of Toni Morrison (1931–2019), from sidewalk chalk drawings made during her Lorain, Ohio, childhood to a legacy borne of “griot grit.” While managing single motherhood and nurturing Black writers’ dreams as a book editor, “you manage a scribbled story about a Black girl wishing for sapphire eyes, ” leading to further works, and eventually to awards including “Pulitzer./ Nobel./ Presidential Medal.” Reverent lines from Davis Pinkney use the language of “planting and tilling” throughout. Background washes by Minter, a study in radiant paintwork, overflow with white-outlined flowers that represent “Chloe Ardelia,” Morrison’s given name, which means “blooming floret.” More glowing tribute than straight biography, it’s a soulful paean to a beloved creator. Back matter includes creators’ notes, biographical details, and a timeline. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)