The Society of Illustrators mourns the passing of longtime friend to the Museum, Florence Minor.

Following a career as a documentary film editor for ABC News in New York, Florence found a second and equally fulfilling career in publishing after she and her husband, illustrator and past president of the Society, Wendell Minor, moved to Connecticut. Her first project was co-editing a 25 year retrospective of Wendell’s book cover art, Wendell Minor: Art for the Written Word while simultaneously handling the business aspects of their studio. Florence and Wendell loved creating books that entertain, teach, and inspire children.

Florence was the author behind many best-selling children’s books including Christmas Tree!, illustrated by husband Wendell Minor, If You Were a Penguin, her second collaboration with Wendell, and If You Were a Panda Bear.

Wendell and Florence received the New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA) President’s Award for lifetime achievement in arts and letters, and were honorees at The Associates of the Boston Public Library’s 27th annual Literary Lights Dinner, which recognizes outstanding writers from the Northeast for their inspiring work.

The Society will deeply miss Florence’s warmth and kindness. To learn more about her life and work, please visit the Minor’s website.

Florence and Wendell Minor attend the Society of Illustrators’ formal gala for Wendell’s 2023 induction into the Hall of Fame.