29 Sep Review: What Lolo Wants
What Lolo Wants
Written by: Cristina Oxtra
Illustrated by: Jamie Bauza
Kids Can Press, 2024
ISBN: 9781525308369 (jacketed hardcover)
$23.99 CAD
32 pages
Ages: 3 to 7 years old
Review by: Cassandra Ricafort
Maria and her Lolo (grandfather) draw together every night. Talented in art, Lolo can draw anything from ube ice cream to Maria’s Lola (grandmother) frying plantain. However, when Lolo becomes ill and starts to forget things and people, this soon changes. When Maria sees him struggle to even communicate what he wants, she uses their shared love of art to help. Soon, Lolo is able to communicate with Maria through the pictures he draws. This Own Voices picture book by Filipina author Cristina Oxtra is a gentle introduction to what can happen when our loved ones age and how we can care for them, and the power of communication through art. Equally beautifully illustrated as it is written, the watercolor images by the Philippines-native illustrator Jamie Bauza bring a sweet and naive feel to the story that is perfect for young children. What Lolo Wants would be an excellent addition to any school, home, or public library.