LEO’S LOBO, by Melissa Cristina Márquez and Maria Gabriela Gama, Penguin Workshop, Feb. 10, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5-8)
A boy learns how much work raising a pet is in Leo’s Lobo, a picture book by Melissa Cristina Márquez and Maria Gabriela Gama.
Leo is thrilled when he and his family enter a shelter so he can adopt a new pet, but after searching for a while, Leo doesn’t feel the connection he had hoped for and leaves feeling disappointed. On the way home, he and his family see a busy marketplace and find another shelter hidden inside: one for magical creatures! There Leo connects with an alebrije, their bond forming before they can even leave the shelter. But he quickly learns just how much responsibility comes with raising a pet. —Synopsis provided by Penguin Workshop
There’s a lot to like about Leo’s Lobo — bright colors, whimsical illustrations, pets and a message about responsibility and when to ask for help.
While Leo’s Lobo is about a magical pet, kids will certainly relate to the extra work that comes with a pet. I particularly appreciate author Melissa Cristina Márquez’s reminder to readers that it’s OK to feel overwhelmed while showing ways that can help.
You really can’t go wrong with a book about animals, especially magical ones.
Leo’s Lobo touches on Latinx folklore and is also available in Spanish as El Lobo de Leo.
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