Purchase to Support Our Program

“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

How My Family Says I Love You

Written by Yvonne Sewankambo
Illustrated by Aurore McLeod
Published by Candlewick

My sister Nalu braids my hair every week.
It’s how she says “I love you.”

Tendo always races his sister to the finish line as they leave the house. Kira the dog greets her at the door with a wagging tail and a spin. Sometimes it’s Auntie Linda pulling her into her wheelchair for a hug, or Uncle Alex bringing his funny parrot for a visit. One jajja teaches her granddaughter how to make the chicken dish she learned as a child; another tells stories from far away, before she was born. Whether it’s Mom asking if she’s hungry a hundred times a day, or older siblings scaring away the monster that keeps her awake, the refrain “I love you” comes through loud and clear—and reminds us that there are countless ways to express affection to those that we hold dear.

Primary ISBN: 9781536244991
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified (Western Country)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.