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“A sweet and loving story of a grandchild grappling with the difficulties affecting her grandfather’s health and memory. …Oxtra’s simple tale is rendered in bright watercolor, marker, pencil, and crayon colors, with Maria and Lolo’s drawings coming to life as the story is told. Lolo’s facial expressions are particularly touching and subtle. A glossary of Tagalog words and their context, if needed, is provided under the dedication.”

– School Library Journal

What Lolo Wants

Written by Cristina Oxtra
Illustrated by Jamie Bauza
Published by Kids Can Press

Every night, Maria and Lolo draw together. Though she tries, Maria isn’t nearly as good as her grandfather. Lolo can draw anything: Lola cooking, sampaguita blooming, maya birds perching. One day, though, things start to change. Lolo does not feel well. And when Maria asks him to draw, he says he needs to rest. Not long after, Lolo begins to forget people’s names, and soon he cannot find the words for what he wants. Maria tries to find some way to help Lolo communicate – could their shared love of drawing be the answer?

This sweet and moving picture book written by Cristina Oxtra is a wonderful conversation starter about how to navigate through family changes by continuing to care and connect. It highlights a strong intergenerational bond between a young girl and her beloved grandfather. Jamie Bauza’s rich illustrations in gorgeous tropical colors are full of evocative details of the setting in the Philippines. Tagalog words are incorporated into the text.

This book works well for character education lessons on empathy, initiative and resilience.

Primary ISBN: 9781525308369
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: Philippines

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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