Apapacho Love: A Story About Hugs from the Heart

When Luna’s mom takes a three-day work trip, Luna worries that it’ll mean a lack of apapachos—the comforting hugs that “celebrate all my wins and comfort me when I lose... tuck me in every night and make bad dreams disappear.” Fortunately, Luna’s time with others teaches her more about the snuggles’ power. After Luna pricks her finger while gathering Mami’s favorite flowers, Abue offers a squeeze that “makes me feel better and brave enough to try giving my own”—including a big bear hug for Daddy. And other interactions offer further buoyancy as “apapacho love grows!” Meza’s digitally finished ink, charcoal, and pencil artwork employs rich jewel colors and depicts bright geometric rings around characters experiencing apapachos’ power. During her mother’s absence, Luna reflects, “I find amor all around, and the more I find, the more apapachos flow out of me too,” making for an upbeat portrait of mutuality and shared devotion. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)