New York Times bestselling adult novelist Adriana Trigiani and beloved illustrator Amy June Bates team up for a heartwarming picture book about a how a family comes together to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Mia Valentina Amore loves valentines. After all, her name means My Valentine. When she wakes up on Valentine's Day, it looks like just another morning in the rickety old Amore house in the Blue Ridge mountains of Appalachia. But over the course of the day, her home is transformed into the House of Love. Mia and her mama festoon the halls, build a gumdrop tree, bake cupcakes, and most importantly, make valentines for all six of her siblings. But when Mia doesn't receive her own valentine, she wonders if Mama could have forgotten her.
New York Times bestselling novelist and filmmaker Adriana Trigiani has crafted a tender mother-daughter story that celebrates Valentine's Day or any day that brings family together. And acclaimed illustrator Amy June Bates brings warmth and coziness to a story that affirms it doesn't matter where you come from as long as that place is full of love.
Adriana Trigiani is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction. She also writes and directs movies. Adriana is cofounder of the Origin Project, an in-school writing program in Appalachia. She grew up in Big Stone Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in a very old house. Adriana lives in Greenwich Village with her family. Join Adriana on Facebook and Instagram @AdrianaTrigiani or visit adrianatrigiani.com.
Amy June Bates is the illustrator of Sweet Dreams and That's What I'd Do, both by singer-songwriter Jewel; Joey by Dr. Jill Biden; The Dog Who Belonged to No One by Amy Hes; and many other beloved picture books. She is also the coauthor (with her daughter Juniper Bates) and illustrator of The Big Umbrella. She lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three children. Please visit amyjbates.com.
“Trigiani’s sentimental prose is matched by Bates’s nostalgic, rose-hued watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations; the pairing makes for a heartfelt and sensitive holiday homage.” –Publishers Weekly
“The light pink pages, cheerful illustrations, and homespun authenticity of the text will appeal to children. The cozy Appalachian mountain setting shines through. A sweet story highlighting nonromantic love during the Valentine season.” –Kirkus Reviews
“A sweet read for anyone who appreciates simple expressions of joy and the tenderness of a child’s holiday cheer.” –School Library Journal
“Narrator Jasmine Guy infuses warmth into this classic children's Valentine's Day story. Moreover, Guy's warmth carries the audiobook's message of unconditional love as demonstrated by the family and their home on this and every day. Guy's storytelling and the upbeat melody of the music may beckon listeners to play this sweet tale on loop.” –AudioFile
