11 Words for Love

A moving and joyful book for children from all backgrounds about the many ways we love, from award-winning author Randa Abdel-Fattah and acclaimed illustrator Maxine Beneba Clarke.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 PRIME MINISTER'S LITERARY AWARD FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
A CBCA NOTABLE PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 MULTICULTURAL NSW AWARD

There are eleven words for love, and my family knows them all.

A family flees their homeland to find safety in another country, carrying little more than a suitcase full of love.

As their journey unfolds, the oldest child narrates 11 meanings for love in Arabic as her family show, and are shown, all different kinds of love in their new home, and they also remember the love they have for their homeland and for those left behind or lost along the way.

In the Arabic language, there are over 50 words describing the degrees of love. That's 50 stories, 50 life-worlds. This lyrical and heartwarming book takes you on a journey through 11 of these Arabic expressions for love.

'Randa's rich words and Maxine's moving illustrations make this book sing' The Australian Women's Weekly

'An uplifting, emotionally charged story . . . matched with bold illustrations that exude deep warmth' Sydney Morning Herald

'A beautifully rendered, timely picture book created with heart' Books+Publishing