This month, author-illustrator Jessie Sima finished up a 10-city tour in celebration of their new picture book, Love, Z (Simon & Schuster, Dec. 2018), about a young robot in search of the meaning of love. Sima visited schools and bookstores in Portland, Ore., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis, Boston, and Chicago. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the events, many of which featured Valentine’s Day activities.

Sima giving a reading at Green Bean Books in Portland.

A young reader befriends a handmade Z at Green Bean Books.

Signing stock at Powell’s Books in Portland.

Z looks to the horizon at Almaden Country Day School in San Jose, Calif., during an event hosted by Hicklebee’s Bookstore.

Sima met students at KIPP Iluminar Academy in Los Angeles.

Jamison Elementary in Jamison, Pa., welcomed the author-illustrator.

Delivering a presentation at Groveland Elementary School in Doylestown, Pa.

A banner of student artwork greeted Sima at Winnona Park Elementary School in Decatur, Ga., during an event hosted by Little Shop of Stories.

High fives for fans at Winnona Park Elementary.

Sima gave a drawing demo at Glennwood Elementary School in Decatur.

Signing books at Glennwood Elementary School.

The children at Harvard Elementary School in Houston created art projects inspired by Sima’s characters.

The illustrator shared how they draw Z, during an event at Oak Forest Elementary School in Houston.

Making Valentines at Left Bank Books in St. Louis.

Sima and Z go wild for Wild Rose Elementary in St. Charles, Ill., during an event hosted by Anderson’s Bookshop.