What Lolo Wants

By Cristina Oxtra, Jamie Bauza (Illustrator)

A girl helps her grandfather communicate as his memory fades, using their shared love of drawing.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 89 ratings

32 pages

$21.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Maria cherishes drawing with her grandfather, Lolo, who can capture anything with his pencil. But when Lolo's health declines and words escape him, Maria seeks a way to bridge the silence. Can their shared passion for art help them connect when words fail? This touching tale explores the enduring bond between a girl and her grandfather, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Philippines. As Lolo's memory fades, Maria's determination to communicate through drawing becomes a testament to love's resilience. Discover how art transcends words in this poignant story of family and connection.

From the publisher

In this heartwarming and poignant story, a girl and her grandfather share a love beyond words, for fans of When Lola Visits and Holding On.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.

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