Lopez, Paloma Angelina. Popo the Xolo. Abraham Matias, Illus. Charlesbridge, 08/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-457-7. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.
This soft-spoken title relates how this family’s beloved Nana transitions from life to death, with her small xoloitzuintle dog named Popo acting as a guide as the two journey through the nine levels of Mictlan, in order to rest. Based on Indigenous Mexican cultures, this transition from life to death is portrayed via cut paper and digital media, which reflect this Mexican family’s love for their Nana and their grief when she passes. An emotional portrayal of a difficult topic, effectively showing this culture’s traditional view, with back matter that explains what was shown in the story and defines the Spanish words used throughout the text.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library