Pablo Is the Children’s Book Making Big Feelings Feel Seen

A scrappy street dog, a cross-border adventure, and a story that quietly opens the door to big emotions—Pablo is not your typical children’s book. Created by Vancouver-based author Mar Andersons and illustrator Irvin Walkes, the heartfelt story has just been honoured with a 2026 Christopher Award, recognizing work that “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”

At first glance, Pablo is a playful tale about a Mexican street dog dognapped by a well-meaning Seattle family, determined to find his way back to his familia. But beneath the adventure is something far more meaningful: a thoughtful introduction to the Five Stages of Grief, designed to help children—and their parents—navigate loss together.

For Andersons, the character of Pablo came instantly—but the journey to bring him to life took years. “I came up with the idea for Pablo … all at once,” he says. “Then it proceeded to take over my brain for over three years.”

That time allowed the story to evolve into something deeply personal. After losing his own mother, Andersons wove grief into the narrative with intention. “I wanted to do this to be able to help parents and children discuss grief … If this helps one child, it will all be worth it.”

Rather than forcing the message, the emotional arc came naturally. “The Five Stages of Grief interwoven into Pablo’s journey was remarkably easy… Through testing the storyline on children aged 5 to 15, we found that it resonated with them—and that was very important to me.”

Visually, Walkes brings Pablo’s world to life with warmth, humour, and just enough mischief. “I was looking to make him a more mischievous version of classic animated characters of old,” he says. “He still had to have a soft side.”

That balance—between playfulness and depth—is what makes the book so effective. Even the landscapes carry meaning. “The Sea to Sky highway has always been close to my heart … all you have to do is drive it once, you’ll see what I mean,” Walkes adds, nodding to the subtle West Coast influence woven throughout the illustrations.

And while the subject matter could easily feel heavy, Walkes was mindful of keeping things accessible. “Knowing parents and kids were going to be looking at the images, I dialled it back to about a ‘G’ rated level for all audiences.”

The result is a book that meets children where they are—without talking down to them. It’s also been shaped in real time by its audience. “That time allowed us to talk to children, get their feedback… One young lady named Rowan … kept me in check and challenged me in ways I had never even thought of,” Andersons shares.

And yes, Pablo himself has opinions. Asked what advice he’d give readers, Andersons doesn’t miss a beat: “Familia is everything! … And tacos! Tacos are everything!!!”

Beyond the pages, the team is also extending the story’s impact through “El Libro Pendiente”—a give-back initiative inspired by the Italian tradition of paying it forward. Readers can purchase a second copy of Pablo to be donated to children facing grief, from hospitals to counselling spaces. “It’s a simple gesture … but it can certainly make their day,” Andersons says.

In a landscape filled with distraction-first kids’ content, Pablo stands out for its intention. It’s a story about love, loss, and finding your way home—but more importantly, it’s a tool for connection. One that reminds both kids and adults that even the hardest conversations can start with something as simple as a story. —Noa Nichol