Picture Books

Las maneras en que papi dice te quiero. ISBN 9781623546311. SP
––––. Ways Papi Says I Love You. ISBN 9781623546304.
ea vol: illus. by Carlos Vélez Aguilera. 32p. Charlesbridge. Mar. 2026. Tr. $17.99.
PRES-GR 3 A perfect bilingual story, in Spanish and English editions, that celebrates the many ways love can be shown without using words. The story follows Maricruz and her papi on a trip to the store in their truck, but through each small moment, readers see the quiet and powerful ways that Papi says “I love you.” Aguilera’s emotive and painterly illustrations are full of color and movement, reflecting the warmth of the Mexican setting through its architecture, markets, and everyday life. The subtlety of exploring the different love languages through touch, acts of service, and words of affirmation combine to remind readers that love isn’t always demonstrated with spoken words but can be presented through the ­smallest actions. A helpful vocabulary page at the end reinforces the bilingual learning. Maricruz and her family have brown skin. VERDICT These heartfelt, inclusive, and visually rich works should be added to all libraries and would make great read-alouds at home or during a story time.