Imogen: The Life and Work of Imogen Cunningham was written by her granddaughter, Elizabeth Partridge and illustrated by Yuko Shimizu. I read via an online reader copy and the book is due later in August 2025. 
That is a dull introduction but Imogen Cunningham’s life was anything but dull. She was a younger child who was beloved by her father, who does seem to maybe spoil her a little bit, but also believed in her. He made sure she had paints all for herself when she needed to expand on her drawings. Eventually, she learned that what she needed to capture the beauty she saw around her was a camera. She would go on to be one of the most well-known photographers. Her love of the art comes through in the almost step-by-step look at her life. From a young child to the beloved grandmother we see what inspired her and who she inspired in return.
The illustrations fit the tone and set the tone by being a bit “old school” and “earthy” in nature. They capture a simpleness but do not lack in any needed detail. Colors are not muted, yet do not pop off the page either. They keep the book more solid, complimenting the text. They also, along with the text, make things for the at least aged five and up crowd. However, due to the biographical elements of the subject and lack of traditional action, the more active or younger child might want to sit and listen.
Overall, I enjoyed this book that is not just a women’s history book, but a history of photography and one that shows how “someone’s grandmother” could influence a nation and not just be a “sit, knit and bake cookies” kind of woman. (Though she probably did some of that, too!)