A perfect selection for Valentine's Day or Pride month story time, lap reading for families (particularly queer ones), and readers with an interest in diverse human experiences.

Charlene now lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario. Most importantly, this book offers much-needed representation of love in all its forms. She is also the author-illustrator of Hug? When they are not making art, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats. Elizabeth Warren and the Amy Wu book series. Learn more: Charlene Chua (she/they) is the illustrator of several picture books, including Pinkie Promises by Sen.

Originally from frosty Minnesota, she now lives wherever her wife is stationed, recently in San Antonio, Texas and then Italy with a flock of spirited hens. She has previously worked as an educator, bookseller, volunteer radio host, and creator of children’s literature events. Her debut picture book The Amazing Idea of You was illustrated by Mary Lundquist. This Valentine’s Day, all Violet wants is to give a valentine to her crush, Mira. Love, Violet, illustrated by Charlene Chua, was a Stonewall Book Award winner, Charlotte Huck Honor Book, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, and Bookstagang’s Best of 2022 winner for Future Classics and Community Favorites. Love, Violet, written by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua and published by Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, a division of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Charlotte Sullivan Wild is the author of several picture books.

Love violet picture book