Here Papi helps Maricruz load the groceries.

Quality Time:

This love is all about spending time together. Try spending 1:1 time by going on a walk, watching a movie, or going on errands together.

Papi and Maricruz spend time together at the grocery store.

Physical Touch:

Show your love by using touch. Tickles, hugs, and holding hands are great ways to show you care.

Papi holds Maricruz’s hand as they head home.

Gifts:

This love language is shown by giving your loved one treasures that remind you of them. Try making a homemade item, selecting an item your loved ones would enjoy, or picking a wildflower to give.

Maricruz receives wildflowers from her Tía's yard.

Words of Affirmation:

This love expression is communicated with words. Tell your loved one how much you appreciate them by saying I’m proud of you, I love you, and I’m always here for you.

Papi reminds Maricruz, I will always be here to help you.

From the author:

Ways Papi Says I Love You / Las maneras en que papi dice te quiero is based on my upbringing in a ranch in San Luis Potosí, México. My childhood memories revolved around dirt roads, animals roaming, being walking distance from my relatives, going to school, and riding in my dad’s Ford F150. These joyous moments of my childhood are seen in the illustrations as the story characters head into town. For me, it was important to showcase life outside of the U.S. and its community. It was also important for me to show how love is often expressed in many ways. This picture book shines a light on how love is communicated outside of the words I love you. 

When I was younger, I saw my dad on the off seasons of harvesting from his U.S. job. He would come to Mexico and take my sister and me in his truck across town as we spent quality time together. I counted down the days for his visits and made the best of his time with us. As we rode through the ranch I remember waving to the community members, stopping at relative’s houses on the way to the store, and always picking up a sweet treat for the ride back. Time at the ranch was always filled with community, love, and happiness. This special time of my childhood inspired the setting of the story before I moved to the U.S. at the age of six.

Growing up, the words I love you weren’t said nor were hugs/kisses the norm. Instead love in my Latine household was given by a hot meal, making sure we had everything for school, and reminding me to put on my seatbelt. These acts of love inspired scenes in this book. In Latine households, you might see love expressed in many beautiful ways that connect our culture and traditions. From Loteria (bingo) nights, sobremesa,  dancing to música, watching novelas together, and even the way we greet each other with affection, they are all ways our families say te quiero mucho.

As I look back at my upbringing I am reminded of all the ways love was shown and I hope readers see the different ways affection can be given .When the words I love you are hard to say, they can still be expressed in so many ways to show appreciation.

Want to learn your child’s love languages? Take the love languages quiz here

Receive some happy mail book stickers from the author here: https://forms.gle/5MGN5Pa2Kp8t5bEw9

Delia is a first-generation Latina author whose stories bloom from her rich Mexican heritage. When not crafting award-winning children's books or curating diverse book lists, Delia finds joy in quiet moments of writing, long walks, and the simple pleasures of home. Her creative spirit thrives in Puerto Rico, where she lives with her husband, baby, and pug—a trio who inspire her storytelling journey daily. Represented by Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary Agency, Delia weaves worlds with words while keeping her heart firmly anchored to the cultural tapestry that shapes her literary voice. Through her social platforms, she champions diverse literature and creates teacher resources that celebrate multicultural voices and experiences. She hopes to inspire the next generation of writers who also come from immigrant households.

Visit Delia online. Follow her on Substack, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.

Ways Papi Says I Love You 

Las maneras en que papi dice te quiero

How many ways can Papi say I love you without saying the words?

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.