Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your children by showing them how special they are to you. Gifting books is a simple way to share your love because it allows you to spend time with them while reading aloud and snuggling and the books last forever. Check out all the Valentine’s Day books, HERE.
L IS FOR LOVE
By: Atinuke
Illustrated by: Angela Brooksbank
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
L IS FOR LOVE isn’t your typical Valentine’s story, but it is a story of a family’s love. It’s also a cultural exploration of life in Africa…Lagos, Nigeria to be exact. Atinuke, the author, was born in Nigeria and spent her childhood both in Africa and the UK.
A family (mom, dad, and four children) sets out for the Lagos Market from their remote area of Nigeria. The story is told through very few words, mainly starting with the letter “L”. They leave behind grandparents and appear to need more lemons. So much adventure is ahead for the kids and you won’t believe everything they will see and experience on their trip.
“L is for Love,
and
L is for Lemons.”
As the family travels, they spot things that start with L including being Lucky to catch a Lift. They travel across various types of land including beautiful jungles and deserts with Lions and Leopards.
Once they arrive in Lagos, it is Loud and Large and they find more Lemons. After Lunch, they head back for the Long way home where they arrive Late to lots of hugs and Love from Grandma and Grandpa.
Kids will be amazed that the family in this story isn’t just hopping in a car and running to the nearest Walmart to get their groceries. Instead, the family (even the little ones) are walking and carrying baskets. Then, after a day in Lagos, the family treks back home, carrying full baskets of Lemons and other items. Kids will also notice the family lives with their grandparents which is another cultural part of how families live in Africa.
The illustrations are so vivid and use a variety of mediums and textures. I love how the story is told with just a few words, but leaves so much for children to see on the page and to talk about as you read it together. With the limited words, your child will soon be able to read it themselves and learn lots of “L” words at the same time. Especially the most important “L” word of all, LOVE!
To purchase a copy of L IS FOR LOVE, click HERE.
Atinuke was born in Nigeria and spent her childhood in both Africa and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the Anna Hibiscus series and more books for children. Atinuke lives in Wales. Check out her website, HERE.
Angela Brooksbank loves to create textures and patterns using a combination of painting, printing, and drawing. She has illustrated several books by Atinuke. Angela Brooksbank lives in London. Check out her website, HERE.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Africa, Angela Brooksbank, Atinuke, Book Review, Children's books, Love, Valentine's Day