When Love Is More Than Words
Pub. October 15, 2024 • Nancy Paulsen Books • Written by Jocelyn Chung
A beautiful story about a family who shows their love in a multitude of ways
There are so many ways to say “I love you” without saying a word! One little girl sees the love shown in her family by the way they nurture one another through stories, food, and spending time together. With great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings around, there are so many ways for love to shine through.
Jocelyn Chung's lyrical text and Julia Kuo's vibrant illustrations beautifully portray and celebrate an extended Taiwanese family whose caring actions speak louder than words.
Events
Launch
The author, Jocelyn Chung, will be hosting a book release party and signing at BoPoMoFo cafe in Cerritos, CA!
The event will happen on October 20th from 3-5pm and will include giveaways, drink deals, and a workshop. Head over to Jocelyn’s IG to learn more!
In-Person Event at Mam’s Books
Saturday, November 9 at 11am PT
Signing at the Wing Luke Museum
Saturday, November 9 at 12:30pm PT
Signing at the Taiwanese American Lawyers Committee NAPABA Reception
Saturday, November 9 at 2:30pm PT
Order the Book
Honors
When Love Is More than Words has been selected for the Society of Illustrators 2024 Original Art Show!
The Children’s Book Council has included When Love Is More than Words on its October 2024 Hot Off the Press reading list!
When Love Is More Than Words is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
When Love Is More Than Words is on the Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books of 2024 list
Learn About How I Work
Learn about my process in When Love Is More Than Words
Critical Praise
“The caring acts of loved ones are the focus of this first-person work that models how affection can be relayed by actions. As the title opens, a young narrator notes how, instead of using the “three special words” that others employ, a great-grandmother grows loquats and lima beans so that “her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren/ can have bellies full of her love.”
"Conveying close-up images of family pairs caring for each other, Kuo’s sharply drawn digital illustrations use a graphic style with flat planes of color to suggest a depth of love expressed.”
- Publishers Weekly starred review