Some books are not what you expect, which can be good or bad. Today I want to talk about one that was much better than I expected: Popo the Xolo, written by Paloma Angelina Lopez and illustrated by Abraham Matias.
It’s a cute story about healing from the loss of someone in the family. Death is a delicate topic we like to pretend not to know about, but this is a book that can be both helpful children going through the process, to help them get ready for it, or open the conversation about it.
Cover to “Popo the Xolo,” written by Paloma Angelina Lopez and illustrated by Abraham Matias [Charlesbridge]
- Publisher: Charlesbridge
- Publication Date: August 19, 2025
- Print Length: 240 pages
- Tags: Afterlife, children’s literature, death, Folklore, grief, multicultural interest,
An emotionally resonant and visually stirring picture book about life, death, and celebrating those we love. Ideal for kids with big questions, dealing with grief, and experiencing loss.
Inspired by the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo dogs play by guiding those who have passed on in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.
Nana is surrounded by family and takes joy in her many grandchildren. She’s also tired and feels pain. Soon she begins her transition from life into death, accompanied by her beloved Xolo dog, Popo.
Together they go on Nana’s journey, and by the end of the story, Nana’s family celebrates the many years of love they shared with her. And a grandchild will now care for Popo.
Beautifully told by debut author Paloma Angelina Lopez and featuring stunning blend of colored art by Mexican illustrator Abraham Matias, Popo the Xolo helps kids understand how loved ones live on in our memories. An unforgettable picture book that’s grounded in the importance of the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo (show-low) dogs play in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.
Popo the Xolo is available in both English and Spanish language editions.
This is a gorgeous book. Not only is the writing style beautiful, but the art is also high-quality. I don’t think I can say anything negative about it, so please allow me to praise it for a few more words.
First, the theme is addressed in a sensible, humanitarian manner. There is nothing morbid, dark, or uncomfortable about the way the story evolves. Family unity and peace are perhaps the most relevant topics besides the central themes of grief and death, maybe even more on some pages. Lopez delivers a story that celebrates life and reminds us there is always a light at the end.
There are times when I forgot this is a story about a grandma dying because it looks more like a fantasy adventure, proving Lopez’s mastery of her craft. Something so dreadful is portrayed in a simple, celebratory manner: we are not happy that Grandma died, we’re happy that she is free from illness, pain, and discomfort.
When it comes to the art, Matias captured the colorfulness of Mexican Día de los Muertos while exploring a personal, eclectic style that makes it an attractive reading for all ages: the child in me loved the innocence in the pages, the teenager was amazed at the folkloric aspect, and the adult thought about the conversations I would have when I have children. Perfect for those who grew up with Disney movies, the Pixar-esque aesthetic is a visual delight that surprises page after page.
As a beginner folklorist, there’s a lot of value in this book, and not only because of the outstanding execution. It rescues a piece of folklore, a part of Mexican identity, that we are not familiar with, and encourages us to explore how our own culture understands death and the afterlife.
There is also an important point here: this is not a religious book but a spiritual one. It celebrates the connection to our ancestors’ culture and beliefs in a pure state. Some people might be tempted to use elements we are more familiar with to make this a more appealing option to a wider audience, but the merit is undeniable, and I am confident many will be drawn by this rich world.
All in all, it is a beautiful portrait of a valuable cultural lesson: death is nothing to be afraid of even though it’s painful for those of us who are left behind. I was devastated when my dad passed away. October 9, 2013, is a date that will always make me cry, but I can see how what happened was just the natural course of action, a rest for him, and an opportunity for my family to change.
It hurts, it will always hurt, and nothing in this world can make it easier. However, books like this one give us a different, friendly understanding of death, and last but not least, a high respect and admiration for our furry companions. Like my dad used to say, they become members of the family, and as such they care about us as much, sometimes more, than we do for them.
Thanks to Charlesbridge for providing a review copy.
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