Memories help shape who we are as people and the relationships we have as families. But what happens if your loved one starts losing their memory? What Lolo Wants, written by author Christina Oxtra and illustrated by Jaime Bauza, approaches this familiar hurdle regarding aging with creativity and love.
The book follows the story of a young girl, Maria, and her relationship with her grandfather. The two bond together through drawing pictures, but one day Lolo ("Grandfather" in Tagalog) shows signs of a fading memory. In response, Maria sets out to help her grandfather.
For Oxtra, who based the story on her real life as a child, the story is deeply personal. Her grandfather went through a similar experience as Lolo, which led her to have doubts about what to do. "During this time, I was a kid, and I didn't know what to do. Honestly, I felt kind of confused," says Oxtra who grew up in a multi-generational household. "I really wasn't sure what to do, other than connect with him and spend time with him, whether he remembers it or not."
Assisting in the storytelling is illustrator Jamie Bauza, an artist living and working in the Philippines. The colorful illustrations that tell the story, and Lolo's black and white pencil drawings, work together in showcasing a vibrant location and offer a glimpse into the lively relationship between Maria and Lolo.
What Lolo Wants is available at your local library and various bookstore. It's also available online through Kids Can Press.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
