Toni, the Magicicada
Shortlisted for Premio Inge Feltrinelli
Shortlisted for Premio Inge FeltrinelliA poetic tale of courage, justice, and the magic of storytelling. A beautifully illustrated journey into the heart of one of the greatest literary minds.
Toni, the Magicicada is the third volume in the acclaimed series introducing young readers to the ideas of great feminist thinkers. After Virginia Woolf and Simone de Beauvoir, this beautifully illustrated book brings to life the legacy of Toni Morrison, the Nobel Prize-winning author of The Bluest Eye.
Through an imaginative and poetic retelling, the story follows a young Toni as she watches a puppet show in the land of insects. At the heart of the performance is a cicada—an entertainer at the grand Bug Festival—who dares to challenge the expectations set by the industrious “blue-eyed ants.” Instead of following the script, the cicada speaks of the “removed,” the truths that no one wants to hear, revealing the deep injustices in their community. In a brilliant interplay between fiction and reality, the puppet show reflects Morrison’s artistic journey, her fearless storytelling, and her commitment to giving a voice to those who are often unheard. With the evocative words of Serena Ballista and the stunning illustrations of Anna Forlati, Toni, la Magicicada is not just a biography but a celebration of courage, creativity, and the power of storytelling to change the world.
Perfect for children and adults alike, this book invites readers to listen, reflect, and—just like Toni Morrison—speak up for justice.
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