"He no longer drew Lola frying sweet plantains, the
sampaguita blooming in the garden or the maya birds
perched in the large guava tree.
Then Lolo started to forget names."
Maria and Lolo dearly love each other; they also love to draw together. When dinner is done every evening, the two sit together and Lolo has a question for his granddaughter.
"What shall we draw tonight, Maria?"
Lolo is an artist, and he sketches whatever Maria suggests. It can be Lola frying plantains, sampaguita blooms, or the maya birds in the guava tree. Maria is enchanted by his talent and his willingness to create such beauty at her request. They even play a guessing game where Lolo draws whatever he likes, and Maria guesses what it is. Maria tries her best to copy his ideas.
A change happens as time goes on. Lolo isn't well, and spends a lot of time in bed. He promises to draw again when he feels better. It is a long wait for the young girl. When Lolo begins forgetting names and asking questions about himself, Maria is sad. She is sadder still when he forgets who she is. He loses his words, unable to answer simple questions. It makes Lolo sad, too.
Maria thinks she can help, by bringing food to Lolo and asking if he might like it for dinner. Nothing tempts him. After careful thought, she suggests that Lolo draw what he would like to have. It works like a charm. While Lola prepares the pancit Lolo is hungry for, Maria gets right to work on another idea that might help her beloved grandfather. It is the perfect solution!
A heartwarming story, with inviting artwork drawn using watercolor, marker, pencil and crayon, that speaks to changes that happen in families and ideas to help weather them. Set in the Philippines, it shows everyday life for this close-knit family and the lengths they will go to in order to make things better.
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