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.

Thank you #NetGalley for the early read of this children’s book.

In this book you will be inspired to be yourself and speak your truth. Not only is being brave and using your voice helping you be you it will reach other people as well to inspire them to do things they love.

My class loved this book we loved this book. They also enjoyed that they got to read a book that hasnt come out yet. We loved that Livy Lou used her voice. thank you netgalley for the ARC copy of this book.

This was just the perfect book to read with my daughter as she is forever hiding behind me and doesn't like to speak, she gets really shy and embarrassed, we recently met one of the K-pop Demon Hunters and she was so excited... until we got there, she hid, refused to take part and looked so nervous when she had her photo taken at the end. We have been building up her confidence bit by bit and this story tonight has really helped to show that she wasn't and isn't alone in feeling how she did and it can change too.

The book has some excellent illustrations which work to bring the story to life - we loved that the future Livy Lou had glasses too - just like my daughter. As a mum I loved the positiveness of the story about finding your voice - it is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

This book was terrific! As a child psychologist who works in a school I can see this being such a fantastic tool not only for teachers to reach to their classes, but as a tool for reflection and confidence building in children who are nervous or timid. The drawings are really lovely too!

I picked this book to read to my kiddos because my daughter is currently on a journey of finding her own voice. This was such a beautiful family read and will be going on our bookshelf as well as in our local little library.

I loved how the author highlighted the words that rhymed throughout the book. It's such an easy way to introduce kids to rhyming words "in the wild"

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for offering this eARC for review.

Such an amazing story about finding your voice and going on to TV with your mom. Also such lovely illustrations.

Livy Lou was always a shy little girl who couldn’t speak in front of her class or in front of others. One day her mother invited her to be in the studio audience of a television show. She pictured herself working on the set. After that day she thought about pursuing her dream.

The story is a wonderful story of following your dreams and to not let anyone or anything stand in your way. It teaches children to follow their dreams, show their talents and voice their ideas.

At the end of the book the author tells the reader how the book was based on her and how she had to find her inner voice and confidence to speak up.

Thank you NetGalley

Such a wholesome story about a child finding their own voice and confidence.
Livy Lou starts out as any other child, scared and afraid of public speaking, until she makes a big decision to say yes.
Every child should know everyone starts out with those same nerves, but what makes a difference is their ability to make choices that can change the way they perceive things.
This is perfect for children who need an extra push to speak out.
The illustrations are amazing and perfect for a children's book. It's colourful without being overstimulating, and really engages the reader into the short, albeit powerful, story.

Livy Lou Lovely Loves to Speak by Sally Lou Loveman is a heartwarming picture book about courage, confidence, and discovering your own voice. 

The story follows Livy Lou Lovely, a young girl who struggles with the fear of speaking in front of others. Like many children, Livy Lou feels nervous and unsure when it comes to public speaking. Everything begins to change when she attends a television show with her mom. Faced with a new and exciting experience, Livy Lou makes a brave decision: she relies on her inner voice and chases her dreams. That simple choice becomes the moment she begins to discover her voice. 

What makes this story meaningful is how relatable Livy Lou’s experience is. Many children feel shy or anxious about speaking up, whether in class, at home, or in front of a crowd. Livy Lou starts just like any other child, scared and hesitant, but her journey shows that courage often begins with one small decision. 

The book delivers a beautiful message: everyone feels nervous at first, but our choices can change how we see ourselves and the world around us. By learning to listen to her inner voice, Livy Lou becomes an example of how embracing new challenges can open doors to confidence and self-expression. 

Another highlight of the book is its beautiful illustrations by Srimalie Bassani. They are colorful and lively without feeling overwhelming, perfectly complementing the story and helping bring Livy Lou’s journey to life. The artwork keeps young readers engaged while supporting the emotional tone of the story. 

Overall, Livy Lou Lovely Loves to Speak is a wholesome and encouraging picture book that educates bravery, growth, and self-belief. It is especially perfect for children who need an extra push to speak up or build confidence. Parents and teachers can utilize this story to reassure children that they are not alone in their fears and that those feelings can change. 

This book is a wonderful reminder that sometimes all it takes is a little courage and a willingness to say "yes".

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Livy Lou Lovely Loves to Speak by Sally Lou Loveman is a warm and encouraging picture book about finding confidence and listening to your inner voice. The story follows Livy Lou as she attends a television show with her mom and begins to discover the courage to share her voice and pursue her passions.

The message about believing in yourself and being open to new experiences is uplifting and easy for young readers to understand. The bright, engaging illustrations by Srimalie Bassani help bring Livy Lou’s journey to life and make the story fun to follow.

This is a positive and inspiring book that encourages children to speak up, believe in themselves, and explore their dreams.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review. 📚✨

This book is PERFECTION! I absolutely love the lesson it teaches kids about following their passion and finding their confidence. It had some big words that made for some great conversation like entrepreneurs. I loved the colorful illustrations. Great job!

What a fun way to talk about a very significant topic. I’d say all of us who were shy kids could have benefited from reading this, so I believe the kiddos will enjoy reading this story!

It holds a special message of encouraging kids to find their voice and use them to be brave, kind, and do what they love.

I think those who either work with kids (or have kids themselves) m this is a great tool to encourage them to follow their dreams and that “when you do what you love, your voice becomes yours”.

The illustrations were cute!

Thank you Amplify Publishing and Netgalley for providing this ARC!

We really like this one, we loved seeing Livy Lou find her voice and passion and it got us talking about what my daughter may like to find a passion in.

This was a beautiful children's book to read to my young daughter. The message of be yourself, woven with shooting down imposter syndrome. YOu are supposed to be here!

A shy child finds her voice and courage, and finally attends a TV show with her mother.
Interesting turn of events - different from many books which have similar themes.
Very cool messages and cute illustrations.
A must have for school and home libraries. Helps shy children with its representation, and anyone can benefit from this book because it helps you understand someone in similar situations as Livy Lou.