Apapacho Love: A Story about Hugs from the Heart -- Cynthia Harmony, Hardcover

A gorgeous picture book featuring a Mexican American family that's as comforting as a warm embrace--great for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and baby gifts!

Every day for Luna starts and ends with Mami's apapachos--hugs that come from Mami's soul. Her warm cuddles fill Luna's heart, like stars fill the sky. They make her feel safe. They make her feel seen. But, oh no, Mami has to take a trip! What will Luna do without Mami's hugs?

Maybe...apapachos can come from other people, too.

Like Abue's, which makes Luna feel brave. And Daddy's, which makes her giggle. Not to mention her dog, Benito's wet nuzzle which tells her to rise and shine with a smile. It turns out even when Mami's far away, her love is all around.

Apapacho love is everywhere!

Author: Cynthia Harmony
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 01/13/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.50w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780374391836
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 10/06/2025

About the Author

Cynthia Harmony is an educational psychologist and bilingual author of picture books including Apapacho Love illustrated by Erika Meza and the highly praised A Flicker of Hope, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth which received a NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Award and a Blueberry Honor Award. She's originally from Mexico City and now lives in Arizona where she gives daily apapachos to her two kids.

Erika Meza is an illustrator whose work includes A Terrible Place for a Nest by Sara Levine, My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, and Arthur Wants a Balloon by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia. She is a Mexican migrant and now lives with her family in the United Kingdom.