An emotionally resonant, visually stirring picture book illustrated by Pura Belpré Award–winning Abraham Matias, exploring life, death, and celebrating loved ones for children navigating grief.

Inspired by the 9 levels of Mictlan and the role Xolo dogs play by guiding those who have passed on in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.

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.

2026 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

Matias’ captivating illustrations, executed in cut paper and digital media, illuminate the story with rich jewel-toned colors and texture. Details such as Nana’s and Popo’s bony reflections in water offer interesting visual cues, while Spanish words throughout the text add cultural authenticity and warmth.
—Booklist, starred review

Matias’s jewel-toned cut-paper and wash-style digital illustrations leap off the page with a vivid light-and-shadow dimensionality suggestive of puppetry, making for a luminous tale of comfort.
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Text and illustrations show the obstacles Nana faces, with vibrant, luminous colors bringing to life this other-worldy place, and paper cut-out art making the ­characters seems so much closer to readers.
—School Library Journal

Rich in otherworldly blends of purples, pinks, and sun-kissed hues, Matias’ striking paper-cut artwork depicts Nana’s passing in a series of stunning double-page spreads, softening the heavy subject matter. Gently magnificent.
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

NOMINEE 2026 New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award

SELECTION 2026 ALSC Notable Children’s Books

SELECTION 2025 Booklist Books for Youth Editors’ Choice

SELECTION 2026 CBC Favorites Award

SELECTION 2025 Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books

SELECTION 2025 Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids

SELECTION 2025 Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

SELECTION 2025 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year

FINALIST 2026 The Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Award

AWARD 2025 CALIBA Golden Poppy Award – Octavia E. Butler Award

RECOMMENDED 2026 Charlotte Huck Book Award

AWARD 2026 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award