Lorian Tu
Lorian Tu is an author and illustrator of children's books. She is sometimes credited as Lorian Tu-Dean.
Biography
Tu is of Chinese and Cuban descent on her father's side and white descent through her mother. She is also of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Tu's We Are a Song, which she both wrote and illustrated, was inspired by her desire to explore her own multiracial background.The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round, written by Wendy Wan-Long Shang and illustrated by Tu, received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, which said, "Tu’s illustrations elevate the joyful tone with brightly colored cartoons filled with textures and lively details".
Of We Are a Song, Kirkus Reviews said, "The story engages the senses, whether it’s the sound of oil in Amah’s wok going “ping-ping-ping,” the scent of Tía's pastries, or the sensation of a falling petal fluttering on Arturo's face like Mama's kisses. All these moments help evoke a relatable feeling of familial love".