Cultures demonstrate their love for their children and grandchildren in different ways. Here in ‘How My Family Says I Love You’ a big extended family reveals their many different ways to say, ‘I love you,’ without using the actual words.

We meet many in the family on the first double page illustration. Each succeeding page adds a multitude of activities with various relatives, each revealing unspoken affection. Sister Nalu braids her young sister’s hair. Our youngster races with her brother, Tendo. Kira, the dog, wags her tail to reveal her love. There’s Auntie Linda pulling her onto her wheelchair for a hug. There’s Uncle Alex bringing his funny parrot for a visit. One grandparent tells her stories; another teaches her how to make a chicken dish. Her parents have very important jobs too. Dad helps with her maths’ homework. Together Mom and Dad frighten off imaginary monsters as our youngster cowers under her covers. One of mum’s biggest jobs is asking a ‘hundred times a day’ if her young child is hungry.

The illustrations showcase the family’s home and daily activities, with lots of delicious-looking food. A concluding double page features a large banquet table overflowing with food and the family gathered around. Illustrations invariably offer insights and deep attachments between members of this close-knit family.

Yvonne Sewankambo is a Ugandan-Canadian-Australian writer and publicist based in Sydney, Australia. She reveals her passion for telling stories that celebrate identity while transcending borders.​ ​Having lived on three different continents, Yvonne is passionate about telling stories that celebrate identity while transcending borders. A long interview with the author Yvonne Dewankambo profiles her cultural background and offers useful insights into this particular book.

1. Celebrations
2. Cultural Traditions
3. Empathy
4. Family
5. Friendship
6. Kindness
7. Racial Identity
8. Relationships
9. Resilience
10. Respect
11. Social Life