11 Words for Love

LoveReading4Kids Says

This book is a little gem – starting with “there are 11 words for love, and my family knows them all”, each spread introduces a different word, in Arabic and with pronunciation, and a short two-liner that explains context. Whether the love between long-standing neighbours, the love between two soulmates, or a love for the home country, the book introduces each with colourful chalk illustrations.

On a second level, the book highlights the family’s journey – arriving in a new country carrying little apart from a suitcase full of love. On the next spread, a “welcome to our school” is embedded in a drawing, highlighting new starts. The migratory journey is not overtly expressed in the text, but it is there if you look for it, opening opportunities to talk to children about their own journeys.

Linguistically, it offers a springboard to language – how many words for rain, or being sad, or feeling happy do children know across their languages?

A beautiful and low-key book, despite the bright and colourful illustrations, this book will make a lovely talking point for families and schools alike.

Sabine Little

Find This Book In