‘There are 11 words for love, and my family knows them all.’ The child narrator tells the story of her family and gives the definitions of the different types of love the family experiences. Each word for a type of love is written in Arabic and English; the dual language presentation will provide opportunities for discussion.
On the surface, the books appear to give 11 different words for love. As the reader explores the illustrations and the definitions for the different types of love, it becomes clear that the family are refugees who have left their home country and are building relationships and friends in their new home country. The text and illustrations are skilfully woven together to tell the story of one family's love and how it holds the family together.
Maxine Beneba Clarke uses watercolour and collage illustrations to represent diversity, strength and togetherness. She has used repeating images and colour patterns throughout the drawings to tie together the story and journey of the narrator. In particular, the multicoloured suitcase and tiny coloured hearts repeat in the endpapers and throughout the story.
This book could be read to children of all ages and will promote deep discussions about love, family, community, diversity and language. This story is full of heart, soul, and kindness that is bold, warm, inviting, and deeply engaging.
NCACL Cultural Diversity Database
