What's Love All about, Minimoni?

Born in Barcelona in 1970, Rocio Bonilla is a children’s book author and illustrator. She began her career working in painting, muralism, photography, pedagogy, and advertising, but motherhood inspired her to leave the latter to create hand-painted murals for children's spaces. In 2011, she entered publishing as an illustrator and debuted as an author in 2014. To date, she has published around 50 books, sometimes collaborating with other authors, and her award-winning work has been translated into over 20 languages. She lives in Barcelona.

Selected for the CBC April 2025 Hot Off The Press List."PreS-Gr 1–A young girl named Monica and her pet chihuahua attempt to understand the concept of love by applying tangible qualities to an intangible concept. If love is a song, why can’t it be heard? If love should be watered like a seed, is love a plant? Key terms in text are in all caps, like HUGGING, CARE, KIND, SPECIAL. Artwork is lush, but sometimes Monica looks monochrome and sketchy, which may be a style choice, or may be changed in the final art. Bonilla is equally skilled at depicting realistic scenes like Monica riding a scooter down the street as she is with whimsical ones, like Monica hugging the planet earth. One spread invites readers to tilt the book and read it ¬vertically. Monica’s simple eyes and mouth ¬display a dazzling variety of emotions. ¬VERDICT The book brings nothing new to a growing “what is love” subgenre of picture books, but the stunning artwork makes this one a good choice for larger collections." —School Library Journal"In this super fun and relatable story, Minimoni asks a big question - what is love? People describe it as lots of different things, and although it seems confusing at first, she soon realizes all the many ways she gives and receives love everyday. The simple narrative affirms the power of love for animals, people, and the world around us." —Rachel Feeck, YA Books Central"I believe in many words for love and this sweet book demonstrates how there is so much packed into this feeling." —Neill Public Library, Librarian "Join Minimoni and her dog as they try to understand that complicated emotion known as L-O-V-E. This is a sweet, feel-good book, and the author's illustrations really steal the show. Highly recommended." —Mel K., NetGalley-Librarian"This is a really sweet story about a girl trying to understand the concept of love. The illustrations are beautiful and the words are tender. I really enjoyed this book." —Humera M., NetGalley-Reviewer"Cute book about a girl who wants to know what love is. Loved the illustrations. A nice little book for young, curious children." —Maggie L., NetGalley-Librarian"How adorable!! From the illustrations to the story about what love is about this book is absolutely adorable! This would be a wonderful addition to your kiddos library! It's silly and easy for the kids to understand. Your kids will want to read it again and again and again!" —Alyssa B., NetGalley-Reviewer"Fantastic illustrations and a great narrative that tackles the tricky to understand concept, love. This will be a great tool for parents to have conversations with their kids when they are feeling stuck on how to explain this idea that all of us have a hard time defining!" —Schuler Books, Bookseller"This was a very sweet book. The illustrations were AMAZING! I would definitely use this in my class as a writing prompt in how do they define love!" —Louisa Schaefer, NetGalley-Educator Reviewer