Reading: LOLA: A GHOST STORY - J. Torres (writer), Elbert Or & Jill Beaton (illustrators)

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of this graphic novel exploring Filipino folklore and grief, this edition of Lola: A Ghost Story ("Lola" meaning "grandmother" in Tagalog) releases March 24th and is the story of a young boy named Jesse whose only memory of his grandmother - a woman who, supposedly, saw visions and even fought off demons and monsters while she was alive - is of when she tried to drown him as a baby. With his family as they gather together at Lola's old home, Jesse finds himself now seeing visions, only he can't figure out whether they are good ones or monsters in disguise, and more than ever he wishes Lola were around to guide him. While the artwork and writing both take on a dreamlike, hazy quality that perfectly embodies the spirit (no pun intended) of this simple yet effective story, ultimately Lola is a tale of grief and being able to move forward beyond it; of family, and of learning that in helping others we often also help ourselves. Charming and sweet. 4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.