Why ‘Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store’ Is a Must-Read Filipino Children’s Book

First part of the series “Reconnection”: Reviews of children’s literature spotlighting Filipino culture by Kimberly Lopez

Written by Sophia N. Lee, a Filipina author who grew up in the Philippines, “Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store” is a warm, memory-rich picture book.

This book features a child and their lolo (grandfather), and heart-warming memories of tending to their sari-sari store (variety store).

It’s a story told from the child’s perspective, as they reminisce about how their lolo listened and cared for their community by providing their neighbours what they needed.

The language in this story was sensory rich.

I was transported to my own experiences of the morning rush: the hot sun and hot pandesal (Filipino brioche-like buns) bag competing for attention amidst honking car horns, laughing uniformed school children, and morning radio blaring from passing tricycle speakers.

These storied memories are accompanied by beautifully detailed and colourful illustrations that are not too busy or overwhelming.

Some notable phrases in the book include:

“I helped Lolo count all the items we sold.

I learned that there were some things we didn’t count.

Like when Nini from next door wanted ice candy, but didn’t have enough money for all seven of her siblings.

Lolo gave them each a piece anyway.”

These evoked fond sentiments of needing enough to live, while having enough to give.

Lee mentions favourite Filipino snacks, like ice scramble, halo-halo, and saba con yelo and the assortment of products available at the sari-sari store.

Her story focused on moments of community-making, gratitude, listening to the needs of others, and caregiving by doing what you can to help your neighbour.

The book frames immigration to North America as a colder, more individualistic experience, though that contrast will feel subjective to some readers.

Despite this, the (nameless) main child character replicates the lessons learned from her Lolo: listening, noticing, and helping people in her new community.

In the end, the story is less about the store than the community Lolo built through care and connection.

What my kids (aged 2 and 5) noticed: The colours, the sachets of single-use products, and the Filipino desserts.

Xavier said, “I like that the little girl helps her Lolo with the store.”

Published in 2023, the book is brought vividly to life by illustrator Christine Almeda, a Filipino-American freelance artist from New Jersey, whose colorful, inviting artwork deepens the book’s sense of home, culture, and belonging.

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From our newest contributor Kimberly Lopez:

I’m on a journey to learn more about the culture I spent a majority of my life denying.

Being a Canadian-born Filipina to parents who immigrated in the 1970’s meant speaking English at home, having knowledge of things “back home,” while recognizing that’s where it stayed.

So, now, as an adult with young children of my own, I’m working to firmly reground myself and my family within Filipino culture.

On this journey to teach my kids who their ancestors were and about the Land we came from, I will be reviewing one children’s book a month about Filipino culture as part of a series titled, “Reconnection.”

Kimberly Lopez is a scholar, creative, and community organizer. She is a second-generation “kid from Scarborough” who is passionate about expressions of care, kinship, and storytelling. As an academic, Kim is interested in the dynamics of migration, diasporic relations, and worker well-being and liberation. Dr. Lopez lives with her family in Tkaronto/Toronto, ON.