In Celia’s family,

love isn’t shaped like a heart.

It is a balikbayan box–a cardboard treasure chest

filled with dreams on the brink of coming true!

Although distance keeps her family apart, Celia stays close to her loved ones by tenderly packing items to send to the Philippines. Each item is carefully chosen and placed in a balikbayan box. The perfect sneakers for her basketball-loving son, the latest book in her daughter’s favorite fantasy series, delicious chocolates for her youngest child–treasures for each of them to cherish and enjoy!

Winner of the Lee & Low Books New Voices Award, author Carren Jao celebrates a Filipino tradition that continues to this day. With captivating illustrations by Corinne Caro, The Shape of Love reminds us that love is more than a feeling–it is a powerful promise that endures time and great distances to keep families connected.