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    Ways Papi Says I Love You

    Author Delia Ruiz
    Illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera
    Hardcover
    $17.99 US
    Charlesbridge
    10.38"W x 8.31"H x 0.4"D  
    On sale Mar 24, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9781623546304
    Preschool - 2
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    How many ways can Papi say I love you without saying the words? Through actions big and small, his love shines during their road trip.

    A heartfelt celebration of the father-daughter bond—ideal for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle. An adorable picture book for ages 3 to 7.

    When Papi, who is always busy working at el rancho, asks Maricruz to jump in the truck with him to go get groceries for Mami, she grabs the list and sprints! During the drive, they wave to the people in their community and enjoy each other's company. But when they make a turn down a particularly bumpy road, they lose their grocery list. Fortunately, an unexpected friend shows up to save the day!

    Inspired by the author’s own truck rides with her father through a ranch in Mexico, Ways Papi Says I Love You connects the love languages between a father and daughter and shows the many ways love can be expressed and received.

    Written and illustrated by a Latine duo, Ways Papi Says I Love You is available in English and in Spanish.
    Delia Ruiz is the author of several children's books, including the ¡123 Baila! board book series and Roqui’s Pandero Beat, an International Latino Book award-winner. Delia enjoys creating teacher materials and is also a books reviewer on social media, where she showcases diverse books. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, baby boy, and pug. Delia hopes to inspire the next ​generation of writers who also come from immigrant households.

    Carlos Vélez Aguilera is an award-winning illustrator from Mexico City, Mexico, who has a degree from the National University Autonomous of Mexico. He has illustrated more than twenty children's books, including La Mala Suerte Is Following Me, and he’s the author/illustrator of Salón Destino. Carlos has been recognized with two illustration awards from the International Children's and Youth Book Fair in Mexico.
    https://yeonagency.com/carlos-velez-aguilera
    Delia Ruiz View titles by Delia Ruiz
    Carlos Velez Aguilera View titles by Carlos Velez Aguilera
    Maricruz’s papi works long hours during the week.
    On weekends, however, he’s home and ready for their special outings in his trusty pickup truck. Maricruz takes charge of the grocery list as they head to the store, and Papi makes sure her seatbelt is fastened, just one of the many small ways he shows his love. Maricruz treasures their time together: visiting her tía’s house, cruising around the courtyard plaza, and driving through a muddy arroyo. Throughout the day, Papi quietly demonstrates his affection through gentle words and thoughtful behaviors. Though he never says “I love you,” his care is unmistakable. Centering Maricruz’s perspective, this is a heartfelt reflection on how love can be shown through actions rather than words. It’s a warm reminder of the value of quality time with a parent. Aguilera’s vibrant, richly colored illustrations bring the day to life, capturing both the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of their father/daughter bond. Ruiz’s author’s note at the end introduces the concept of love languages and explores the different ways people show they care about those they love. Maricruz and her papi are Latine, with brown skin and hair; Spanish vocabulary is woven naturally throughout the text.
    A tender celebration of love expressed through everyday moments.
    —Kirkus Reviews
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    About

    How many ways can Papi say I love you without saying the words? Through actions big and small, his love shines during their road trip.

    A heartfelt celebration of the father-daughter bond—ideal for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle. An adorable picture book for ages 3 to 7.

    When Papi, who is always busy working at el rancho, asks Maricruz to jump in the truck with him to go get groceries for Mami, she grabs the list and sprints! During the drive, they wave to the people in their community and enjoy each other's company. But when they make a turn down a particularly bumpy road, they lose their grocery list. Fortunately, an unexpected friend shows up to save the day!

    Inspired by the author’s own truck rides with her father through a ranch in Mexico, Ways Papi Says I Love You connects the love languages between a father and daughter and shows the many ways love can be expressed and received.

    Written and illustrated by a Latine duo, Ways Papi Says I Love You is available in English and in Spanish.

    Author

    Delia Ruiz is the author of several children's books, including the ¡123 Baila! board book series and Roqui’s Pandero Beat, an International Latino Book award-winner. Delia enjoys creating teacher materials and is also a books reviewer on social media, where she showcases diverse books. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, baby boy, and pug. Delia hopes to inspire the next ​generation of writers who also come from immigrant households.

    Carlos Vélez Aguilera is an award-winning illustrator from Mexico City, Mexico, who has a degree from the National University Autonomous of Mexico. He has illustrated more than twenty children's books, including La Mala Suerte Is Following Me, and he’s the author/illustrator of Salón Destino. Carlos has been recognized with two illustration awards from the International Children's and Youth Book Fair in Mexico.
    https://yeonagency.com/carlos-velez-aguilera
    Delia Ruiz View titles by Delia Ruiz
    Carlos Velez Aguilera View titles by Carlos Velez Aguilera

    Praise

    Maricruz’s papi works long hours during the week.
    On weekends, however, he’s home and ready for their special outings in his trusty pickup truck. Maricruz takes charge of the grocery list as they head to the store, and Papi makes sure her seatbelt is fastened, just one of the many small ways he shows his love. Maricruz treasures their time together: visiting her tía’s house, cruising around the courtyard plaza, and driving through a muddy arroyo. Throughout the day, Papi quietly demonstrates his affection through gentle words and thoughtful behaviors. Though he never says “I love you,” his care is unmistakable. Centering Maricruz’s perspective, this is a heartfelt reflection on how love can be shown through actions rather than words. It’s a warm reminder of the value of quality time with a parent. Aguilera’s vibrant, richly colored illustrations bring the day to life, capturing both the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of their father/daughter bond. Ruiz’s author’s note at the end introduces the concept of love languages and explores the different ways people show they care about those they love. Maricruz and her papi are Latine, with brown skin and hair; Spanish vocabulary is woven naturally throughout the text.
    A tender celebration of love expressed through everyday moments.
    —Kirkus Reviews

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