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.

The creators of the award-winning Baby Goes to Market follow the family at dawn through the lively streets of Lagos, where they are selling lemons--and learning the letter L.

L is for Lemons.
L is for Lucky.
L is for . . .
LOVE.

L is for lemons, and L is for lingering before leaving home. L is for everything to look at along the way: lightning and lazy lions and a lonely leopard. L is for the loud, large city where you will sell your sunny fruit--L is for Lagos! L is for the light streaming out of your windows as you arrive home late at night. And best of all . . . L is for love. Part buoyant alphabet book, encouraging toddlers' first sounds and words, and part immersion in the joyful bustle of a busy Nigerian marketplace, this outing from Atinuke and Angela Brooksbank is a feast for the senses brimming with rich detail and visual humor.