Apapacho Love: A Story About Hugs from the Heart

by Cynthia Harmony, Erika Meza (Illustrator)

Overview

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!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780374391836
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	01/13/2026
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

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 grew up in Mexico and moved houses more often than she had birthdays. Having studied illustration in Paris, she now lives in London—her thirty-sixth address—where she paints, writes her own stories, and practices her uncanny ability to pack efficiently. Erika loves exploring, learning about many different places and cultures, and finding joy in the people who allow you to be yourself.