Maryann Jacob Macias,
Maithili Joshi (Illustrated by)
Feb 10, 2026
Hardcover Picture Book
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings / Family / Multigenerational
Ages 3 to 5, Grades K And Under
A warm and reassuring picture book about listening to your heart and advocating for yourself, even to the people you love most.
Nisha's aunties and uncles love to show love. They’re always swooping her up into big, squishy hugs or squeezing her cheeks. But Nisha is used to it—they’re family! So when Nisha's Ammamma and Appappa arrive from India, everyone is surprised when Nisha is suddenly shy.
Nisha loves her grandparents, and she's excited they're here. So why does giving them a hug feel so scary? And if she doesn’t embrace them, will their feelings be so hurt that they go back to India?
Nisha's aunties and uncles love to show love. They’re always swooping her up into big, squishy hugs or squeezing her cheeks. But Nisha is used to it—they’re family! So when Nisha's Ammamma and Appappa arrive from India, everyone is surprised when Nisha is suddenly shy.
Nisha loves her grandparents, and she's excited they're here. So why does giving them a hug feel so scary? And if she doesn’t embrace them, will their feelings be so hurt that they go back to India?
