Vivian Santos Explores Emotional Geography in Her Latest Picture Book

Hello, book enthusiasts!

Welcome to Blissfully Bookish, a delightful haven for kidlit lovers. This week, I’m thrilled to introduce Vivian Santos, a talented author who delves into themes of connection and belonging through her captivating picture book, When My Heart Feels Tight, New York Hugs Me Tighter, illustrated by the talented Lia Marvins and published by Vivinha Books.

As a delightful bonus, Vivian is offering readers in the USA a chance to win a signed copy of her book! Enter the contest by October 23, 2026.

The Concept of Emotional Geography

In her guest post, Santos illuminates a concept she refers to as emotional geography, a powerful tool that transcends basic brainstorming and allows authors to navigate the inner worlds of their characters. For Santos, drawing and visualizing are not merely creative acts; they become essential techniques for unearthing deeper layers within a character's emotional landscape. This insight emerged while crafting *When My Heart Feels Tight, New York Hugs Me Tighter*, particularly during a pivotal scene where the protagonist, Sofia, presents two visual projects: a Heart Map and a Heart Portrait.

The Heart Map, a visual representation of New York scattered with symbolic hearts, illustrates the places that sparked joy for Sofia. This map doesn’t just track locations—it reveals the essence of what those locations mean to the character. From a narrative standpoint, the Heart Map serves as a compass for her emotional journey, prompting questions like: Where did she first feel brave? Which meaningful spaces shaped her sense of identity?

Mapping Emotions in Narrative

Santos draws an analogy with well-known characters like Spider-Man, where a standard map might depict the geographical New York City, but a Heart Map would elicit a more personal viewpoint showcasing Peter Parker’s New York—his Aunt May’s home, significant landmarks, and emotionally charged locations. By employing Sofia’s journey, Santos weaves a narrative that allows readers to traverse not only a city, but also the vibrant emotional tapestry of its resident.

Initially, Sofia seeks connections to her Brazilian roots; however, as her journey evolves, New York starts to resonate within her own sense of self. The Heart Map facilitates this exploration: it becomes a tool for growth and change, showing how different spaces can carry emotional weight.

The Heart Portrait: A Reflection of Identity

The Heart Portrait is equally significant, representing a culmination of Sofia’s experiences and relationships. In her heart, Brazil and New York coexist; she treasures memories of family, soccer, and favorite foods from Brazil while embracing her new friendships and experiences in New York City—bagels, ferry rides, and waffles with whipped cream. Santos explains that the Heart Portrait is not just a craft exercise; it’s a window into the essence of what makes the character who they are.

The Heart Portrait invites readers to ponder the question: Why did these experiences matter? As Sofia’s understanding of New York deepens, her journey becomes one of reconciliation rather than replacement. Her growth signifies that embracing new places and experiences does not diminish her affection for her homeland.

Encouraging Creative Expression

Inspired by Sofia’s journey, Santos encourages aspiring writers, teachers, and parents to engage in creating their own Heart Maps and Heart Portraits. This practical exercise not only nurtures creativity but serves as a springboard for storytelling. It can help kickstart creativity for both children and adults alike, emphasizing that the act of making is essential to discovering and articulating emotional narratives.

Santos shares a simple guide: Begin with a Heart Map, utilizing colorful paper and drawing materials to illustrate meaningful places in one’s life, fictional or real. Each heart should represent an emotional connection, prompting reflections on why these sites hold value. For the Heart Portrait, participants can create one overarching heart using various materials—magazine cutouts, photos, and drawings—representing the things that fill their hearts with joy.

The focus isn't on perfection; what matters is the process of creation that ignites storytelling and exploration. Through sketching and assembling, a perspective may emerge, offering deeper insights into one's characters.

About Vivian Santos

Vivian Santos is a Brazilian author currently residing in New York City. With a focus on childhood, identity, cultural experiences, and emotional growth, her books resonate with readers seeking to explore the complexities of belonging and personal connections.

Connect with Vivian Santos

For more insights from Vivian, follow her on Instagram: @vivianviajada. You can also explore her work through her website at viviiansantos.my.canva.site and on Goodreads under Vivian Santos.

This unique exploration of emotional geography not only enriches readers' understanding of place and identity but also serves as a tool for aspiring writers to delve deeper into their narratives. By embracing creativity through the Heart Map and Heart Portrait, everyone can find connections to their own stories.

Now’s the time to embrace your own emotional geography, whether through the lens of Vivian’s inspiring work or your personal experiences—and don’t forget your chance to win that signed copy of *When My Heart Feels Tight, New York Hugs Me Tighter*!