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Table of Contents
About The Book
A stunning picture book biography in lyrical, poignant prose about Yoko Ono—a brilliant musician and one of the creative minds behind the iconic song “Imagine” by John Lennon.
Yoko Ono has been called many things: Bold. Confrontational. Controversial. Artist. Musician. Witch.
But she has always been, first and foremost, Yoko: a girl who used her imagination to escape the horrors of World War II, and then a woman who used that same gift to find peace after an act of unfathomable violence.
This is a story of a singular soul: an artist, musician, and writer who has always innovated beyond the limits of the accepted, whose brilliance cannot be overshadowed, and whose imagination has been truly revolutionary.
Yoko Ono has been called many things: Bold. Confrontational. Controversial. Artist. Musician. Witch.
But she has always been, first and foremost, Yoko: a girl who used her imagination to escape the horrors of World War II, and then a woman who used that same gift to find peace after an act of unfathomable violence.
This is a story of a singular soul: an artist, musician, and writer who has always innovated beyond the limits of the accepted, whose brilliance cannot be overshadowed, and whose imagination has been truly revolutionary.
About The Author
Photo courtesy of the author
Lisa Tolin is a journalist and editor who has covered arts and entertainment, lifestyle, health, and breaking news for major news organizations. Her years as a journalist gave her the opportunity to interview Yoko Ono in her home. Lisa lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two sons. You can visit Lisa at LisaTolin.com.
About The Illustrator
Yas Imamura is an Asian American illustrator living in Portland, Oregon. Her works include collaborations with Anthropologie and Sanrio, as well as her growing list of children’s books such as Can You Imagine? by Lisa Tolin and The Elevator on 74th Street by Laura Gehl. Her preferred materials are gouache and watercolor and she often finds herself drawn to projects that are playful, mysterious, and a little offbeat.
Why We Love It
“Yoko Ono is one of the most iconic—and most notorious—names of the 20th century, yet so little is known about who she is. She is slotted into the role of the woman who broke up The Beatles, demonized and vilified for decisions beyond her control. Lisa Tolin’s gorgeous prose turns the spotlight back where it belongs: on the bold, confrontational vision, the astonishing mind, and the daring life of an artist who has always been at the forefront of her craft. Brought to life by Yas Imamura’s intimate, playful art, this book is a celebration of a woman who has never feared crossing boundaries, and who has used her prodigious imagination in ways that are truly revolutionary.”
—Alyza L., Editor, on Can You Imagine?
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (April 16, 2025)
- Length: 48 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534487789
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
"Fresh, perceptive, and worthy of attention."
– Kirkus Reviews
"A fitting tribute to an artist who is both unrepentantly idealistic and unmistakably tough-minded."
– Publishers Weekly
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Can You Imagine? Hardcover 9781534487789
- Author Photo (jpg): Lisa Tolin Photo courtesy of the author(0.1 MB)
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