what lolo wants

WRITTEN BY CRISTINA OXTRA

ILLUSTRATED BY JAMIE BAUZA

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 in the garden, and maya birds perched on the guava tree. 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 is a wonderful conversation starter about how to navigate through family changes by continuing to care and connect.

• “A gentle read-aloud that celebrates love in change, this could be included on the SEL shelves." School Library Journal