Livy Lou Lovely Loves to Speak by Sally Lou Loveman is an empowering story that encourages children to find their voice, embrace their passions, and believe in themselves. While the book is highly accessible for younger children, I believe the powerful message and vocabulary make it a great fit for a wide age range, from 4 up to 8 or 9 years old. The narrative flows with a wonderful rhythm that makes it a joy to read aloud, and I particularly liked how the rhyming words are highlighted in red and a different font style to help them stand out. The illustrations by Srimali Bassani are also a highlight—cute, colorful, and bursting with energy.

One small point for consideration is a reference where Livy Lou is encouraged to speak about her dreams to her mother or someone on her "family team." I would have preferred if the mother wasn't mentioned separately from the "family team." By focusing on a "family team" or a primary caregiver more broadly, the book would feel more inclusive for children in all types of family structures who might not have a mother in their lives.

Overall, this is a beautiful and motivating book that manages to challenge older children with its language, but also inspires them to dream and speak up about those dreams so they can be supported. Thank you to the author Sally Lou Loveman, Amplify Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this inspiring story.