Review by Booklist Review
Derived from the Náhuatl, "apapacho is a commonly used word by people from all over Latin America to describe hugs and cuddles that offer comfort or support." Luna's mami gives the absolute best apapachos, soothing Luna when she's upset and making any celebration extra special. So when Mami takes a work trip, Luna worries about who will give her apapachos. Abue (Abuelita) arrives to stay with Luna and her daddy while Mami is away, and it turns out that Abue gives a wonderful apapacho--it's a sweet snuggle. More apapachos are found in the form of dog Benito's wet nuzzle to wake her up, Daddy's bear hug, and her teacher's supportive high-five. The days pass quickly, and soon it's time to pick up Mami, who immediately swoops up Luna in her arms. Young readers will welcome the sweet message that apapachos come in all shapes and sizes but they all mean you are loved. Vibrant illustrations in rich teals, purples, and pinks are adorned with yellow swirls to accent each apapacho exchanged.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Mami's embrace makes a young Latine child feel deeply loved. Apapachos (or hugs) brighten celebrations, soften disappointments, and chase away nighttime fears. But now that Mami's working away from home for the first time, how will Luna manage without their daily embraces? A gentle apapacho from Abue after a small mishap while gardening makes Luna feel braver. Daddy's bedtime hugs make Luna feel safe, and the youngster offers him one in return, knowing he misses Mami, too. Even Benito the poodle starts the morning with a slobbery snuggle that lifts Luna's spirits. Over the next few days, family, friends, and teachers find other ways to make Luna feel appreciated, like encouraging words from Ms. Garcia at school and time spent on the playground with a best friend. And when Mami finally returns, Luna realizes an important truth: "Whether Mami's near or far, our apapacho love can hold up the moon, the stars, and ALL of me." Highlighting the many forms love can take, Harmony's warm, reassuring story makes clear that distance can never diminish love. Depicting a diverse, sweet-faced cast, Meza's mixed-media illustrations blend bright washes of color and squiggly action lines; they radiate emotion and make the meaning of apapachos tangible. An author's note further discusses the title word, a Spanish word for a hug that derives from the Náhuatl term papachoa. Tender and bracing, like the best kind of hug.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
