L Is for Love
CCBC Review:
A Nigerian family (mother, father, three children, all Black) journeys from their rural home to the big city of Lagos to sell their lemons at market in this story pairing a clever text with lively visual storytelling. The narrative is comprised of statements beginning “L is for” that describe elements and activities of the long, eventful day. It begins in early morning darkness, saying goodbye to grandparents and an infant sibling (“L is for Love … L is for Leaving … L is for Lamp”) and ends with their nighttime return (“L is for Late.”). In between are many things they do and see as they walk (“L is for Legs”), ride (“L is for Lift”), observe (“L is for Lazy Lions … L is for Lagos!”), work, and play (“L is for Lemons … L is for Laugh.”). There are sensory-rich details in both the words and mixed-media visual images of a story that comes full circle as they arrive home in the dark and are welcomed with hugs. “L is for Love” indeed. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 2-5
Age Range:
Babies/Toddlers (birth – 3)
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
African Peoples
City Life
Families
Small Town Life
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Candlewick
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781536235555
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Atinuke