Lots of Love: Just Be Yourself

Lots of Love: Just Be Yourself by Emma Freya, co-illustrated by Rae Freya (Vittra Publishing) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781764098106

It's the first day back at school, and Love, a young Swedish girl, is feeling nervous. Today there will be new classmates, a new teacher, and all the little uncertainties that come with change. As she lines up for class, Love tells herself it's just another day. But when something goes wrong, she finds comfort in the small treasure tucked safely in her pocket. 

Love makes a new friend, Mel, who quickly becomes friends with both her and Izzy. And when their teacher assigns everyone to present something cultural that they do at home, Love needs to decide what to share. Pappa suggests something very Aussie, while Mamma has a Swedish idea. Love picks her favourite tradition to share, but things don't go quite as planned. With Mamma and Pappa's support, she works to make everything right for her big moment. And what will her friends choose to share? From pocket treasures that bring comfort to shared traditions that bring joy, Love discovers that the simplest moments - when we're brave enough to be ourselves - can turn an ordinary day into something wonderful.

This is a must-have children’s novel for readers interested in the Swedish language. The book tells the story of a girl with a Swedish name whose parents speak to her in a combination of English and Swedish. At the foot of each page where the Swedish words are used, the author provides not only a meaning of the word, but a practical way of learning how to pronounce it. Thus, as part of Love's story, readers will also learn some Swedish, including how to pronounce the vowels and the words that appear throughout the book.

At the back of the book are pages that help the reader learn more about the Swedish language. For instance, there is a double-page spread with black-and-white illustrations for different meals throughout the day. We learn and see words such as coffee (kaffe in Swedish), chocolate (choklad), and glas (glass and glasses). The information the author provides is clearly set out and very interesting.

Just Be Yourself is a gentle story celebrating the small, special moments that make everyday life precious. It is ideal for independent readers building confidence with chapter books, as well as family read-alouds that spark conversations about friendship, family, and the special moments of everyday life.