How My Family Says I Love You
CBCA Book of the Year, Picture Book - Notable Book
Age 3+
Picture Books
Not everyone says 'I love you', but we all have many ways of showing we care
There are so many ways to say I love you, without saying any words at all …
From lending a hand, extending a hand, offering a gift, giving a hug, sharing a skill and sharing a meal … there are so many ways to express our love to family, and friends.
An insightful, and delightful, celebration of how we show we care.
Creators
Yvonne Sewankambo is a Ugandan-Canadian writer and publicist based in Sydney, Australia. She has worked on campaigns across several industries, including publishing, film, television, education and the not-for-profit sector. Having lived in four countries on three different continents (and travelled to even more), Yvonne is passionate about telling stories that transcend borders. She is the author of Good Hair (illustrated by Freda Chui) and First There Was Me, Then There Was You (illustrated by Aurore McLeod).
Aurore McLeod was born in France where she studied Viking archaeology. She then moved to Australia as a young adult and discovered a passion for toy making. It wasn't until she started drawing her toy characters that she realised how much she enjoyed illustration. She is the illustrator of First There Was Me, Then There Was You written by Yvonne Sewankambo.
Reviews
The sense that love can be communicated in a variety of ways—and, indeed, without being said aloud—is conveyed with compassion and importance. . . . An affectionate tale in which love is deeply and truly felt.
Kirkus Reviews
While it is based on the author’s extended family, it is obviously a starting point for reflection and discussion on the sorts of things that the reader’s family do and share that express the emotions even if the words are not said. For younger readers, it is an opportunity to think about those everyday interactions between themselves, their siblings and their parents but for those slightly older it could begin conversations about things that they see as negatives, but which are, in fact positives. By encouraging them to turn the situation around and ask themselves why are my parents imposing these restrictions, students can learn to view events through a different lens and perhaps begin to put together evidence and strategies to get the outcome they want – all part of learning to be a critical thinker.
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