Hey Nonni, Love Rowan
Hey Nonni, Love Rowan is a tender picture book about staying connected across the miles, and the small rituals that help love feel close even when families live far apart.
Written and Illustrated by
Joyce Parlapiano
What People Say
“Beautiful book. My favorite line? It felt like we understood each other without saying a word! Favorite illustration- the Fairy party! Great Job.” - Diane Remetta
“I want to let you know that I’ve shared your story with my art students, and they loved the book” - Gloria Walker
Perfect for
Inspiration behind the story
Inspired by Joyce Parlapiano’s real life relationship with her grandson who lives far away, this story grew out of phone calls, repeated readings, and the quiet wish to say: I’m still with you. In these pages, distance softens through routine, imagination, and the comfort of a familiar voice returning to the same words again and again. This is a story for grandparents and grandchildren who miss one another. For families who stay connected through bedtime calls, shared cups of tea, and traditions that travel. Hey Nonni, Love Rowan reminds us that love does not disappear when someone is not nearby. Love simply finds another way to show up.
Discover The Story
When Rowan leaves his sunny home to visit Nonni, he finds magic waiting—not just in the butterflies or the forest, but in every moment with her. Together, they sip tea with fairies, swap honey and homemade cookies, and realize that love stays with you, even when you have to say goodbye.
Joyce Parlapiano wrote and illustrated this story to be both a cozy read-aloud and a keepsake, a way for families to feel close even when they're apart.
Community: Grandparent Hugs Across the Miles
Even across the miles, love finds its way.
A welcoming community of grandparents exchanging ideas and creative traditions to nurture meaningful connection with their grandchildren * through thoughtful actions, shared stories, and moments that create lasting impact.
About the Author
Joyce Parlapiano grew up as the oldest of nine, in a home where the table could always stretch to make room for one more. Her childhood was made of family gatherings, laughter, and music, and you can feel that same warmth woven through every page she writes and illustrates.