The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Melissa Cristina Márquez and Review of Leo's Lobo
- Feb 26
- 7 min read
Melissa Cristina Márquez is a fiercely proud Hispanic marine biologist, wildlife educator, professional speaker, and presenter.
© Freddie Claire
She has given two TEDx talks on sharks and female scientists, and her work has been highlighted in NPR, Allure, Disney+, BBC, National Geographic, Good Morning America, and more. In 2021, Melissa was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30: Science list and the InStyle 50 Badass Women list.
Melissa holds a BA in marine ecology and conservation from New College of Florida and an MS in marine biology from Victoria University. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Mexico, Melissa aims to bring attention to the importance of diversity and inclusion with her writing.
She is the author of Sea of Constellations, illustrated by Rocío Arreola Mendoza (2024), Mother of Sharks, illustrated by Devon Kurtz (2023) and the middle grade series Chasing Jaguars (Wild Survival #3) (2022), Swimming With Sharks (Wild Survival #2) (2021), and Crocodile Rescue! (Wild Survival #1)(2021).
Melissa newest picture book, Leo’s Lobo, releases on February 10th.
Welcome Melissa,
What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written a manuscript?
Some of my favorite writing has happened in very unglamorous places, like squeezed into the corner of an airplane seat or waiting for a chai latte at my local coffee spot. But I think one of my favorite places to write a manuscript (or part of it) is while out at the beach, surrounded by nothing but water, sand, and wildlife. There’s something… grounding, I would say, about being immersed in the natural world while writing about it.
I think that is the perfect place to write a manuscript. What was your inspiration or spark of interest for Leo’s Lobo?
Leo’s Lobo was inspired by my kids (one furry, one human), identity, heritage, and belonging. I wanted to create a story that gently explores a common experience we all have, regardless of race, gender, religion, age: owning a pet for the first time. It’s a love letter to this wild ride that I hope anyone (especially Australian Shepherd dog owners) can relate to!
You definitely captured the joy and adjustment to adding a pet to a family. Melissa, what was the hardest or most challenging thing for you about writing Leo’s Lobo? What was the most fun part?
Picture books require so much restraint because every word has to earn its place! I find that the hardest part of writing one. The most fun part? Letting emotion lead the story and trusting young readers to understand more than we often give them credit for.
It's tough to find that balance sometimes, but you've done a great job of it. How did writing Leo’s Lobo compare to writing your other books, most of which are nonfiction?
While the concept of owning an alebrije as a pet allowed me to lean into feeling and imagination, the story itself is still rooted in facts and research. Alebrijes are a very real thing in Mexico, and I wanted to make sure they were portrayed respectfully. And owning a pet is a very real, hard thing as well. So this book was equal parts challenging and freeing.
Interesting. You've also offered many readers a fun opportunity to learn about alebrije. When you first saw Maria Gabriela Gama’s illustrations in Leo’s Lobo, did anything surprise, amaze, or delight you? Which is your favorite spread?
Image © Maria Gabriela Gama, 2026.
I was completely amazed by how much vibrancy Maria brought to the story; she captured emotion in such subtle, beautiful ways. My favorite spread is actually not something in the book (though there are many pages that left me utterly gobsmacked) but the tiles that cushion the story… I want them for real in my house!
How many revisions did Leo’s Lobo take from the first draft to publication?
Many. I lost count somewhere along the way. Picture books may be short, but they often go through countless revisions as you refine language, pacing, and emotional beats!
True enough. What's something you want your readers to know about, or take away from, Leo’s Lobo?
I hope readers walk away knowing that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Not everything needs to be done by yourself!
Knowing when and who to ask for help is something we can all benefit from. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
I’m always juggling a few projects at once. Right now, I’m working on stories that continue to blend science, culture, and storytelling, especially for younger audiences. I’m really excited about where those ideas are heading!
I can't wait to see your next projects! Last question, what animal or natural feature (place) do you want to learn more about? Why?
I’m endlessly curious about deep-sea ecosystems. The fact that so much of our ocean remains unexplored fascinates me! Every new discovery feels like a reminder of how much there still is to learn and protect…
Thank you, Melissa, for sharing with us a bit about yourselves and your newest picture book.
To find out more about Melissa Cristina Márquez, or to contact her:
Website: https://melissacmarquez.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcmsharksxx
Review of Leo's Lobo
I have been blessed to have a number of adopted animals in my life. A stray dog who adopted us, barn cats, and cats from many different shelters. Each had its own set of unique challenges, but all have given me and my family a great deal of love, snuggles, and companionship. Caring for any pet is a great way to learn responsibility. This terrific picture book combines the color and magic of a Mexican fable with the joy of owning a pet to humorously highlight that teamwork can be needed as well.
Leo's Lobo
Author: Melissa Cristina Márquez
Illustrator: Maria Gabriela Gama
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group (February 10, 2026)
Ages: 5 - 8
Fiction
Themes:
Pets, responsibilities, fables/myths, Latin American culture, alebrije, and Mexico
Synopsis:
Melissa Cristina Márquez pens another story perfect for young readers and pet owners! Leo is on the search for the "perfect" pet and stumbles upon one in an unexpected place. But in this colorful and quirky picture book, he quickly learns that sometimes raising a pet requires a village.
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.
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, globally renowned shark scientist, and author of Mother of Sharks and Sea of Constellations, returns celebrating Mexican culture, fantastical creatures, and community in this picture book encouraging readers to seek support when needed. Maria Gabriela Gama's whimsical art brings the story to life and draws readers in as they learn alongside Leo the importance of asking for help, a lesson we can all use.
Opening Lines:
Leo burst through the doors of the animal
shelter. Jumping up and down with excitement.
Today, he would adopt
his very first pet.
What I LOVED about this book:
The boy's radiate excitement as they head through the reception area of the shelter to the adoptable pets. This is such a wonderful opening, with bright vibrant colors continuing into the space housing the cats, dogs, and hamsters. I love Maria Gabriela Gama's use of colorful shapes to help express the character's emotions and her inclusion of all the little details of Mexican culture and art.
Text @ Melissa Cristina Márquez, 2026. Image © Maria Gabriela Gama, 2026.
Unfortunately, none of the shelter animals were right for Leo. He "didn't want any pet; he wanted something special. Something . . . magical." Passing through an outdoor market, on their way home, Leo suddenly spots a long pink and green striped TAIL. Pulling his brother into the tent, the boys find a refuge for the most magical pets they have ever seen - alebrijes - packed with an amazing array of unusual and imaginative colors and body combinations.
Text @ Melissa Cristina Márquez, 2026. Image © Maria Gabriela Gama, 2026.
Discovering that these animals were truly magical, found only in Mexico, and like a wand, they choose their owners, there was nothing Leo could do but wait and worry that "he would never find his magical, forever amigo." I love the seamless weaving of English and Spanish throughout the book. Everyone in the family falls for the vibrantly multi-colored, winged wolf/dog who chooses Leo.
Even though the struggles of pet ownership are exaggerated with a magical pet who returns balls by dropping them on your head, runs faster than lightning, and has extra foul rainbow poops, the book captures many of the common issues associated with pet ownership. Overwhelmed and bemoaning his inability to care for his new amigo, Leo discovers that it's okay to ask for help and sometimes it takes a village to care for a pet - especially a magical one.
Text @ Melissa Cristina Márquez, 2026. Image © Maria Gabriela Gama, 2026.
Lobo's challenges and Leo's ultimate solutions are so humorously described and illustrated, it is hard not to chuckle, especially if you have ever had a pet. The ending is honest, heartfelt, and imaginative. A great author's note explains alebrijes and their history. This is a wonderfully touching story humorously dealing with pet adoption and the value of teamwork.
Resources:
design your own alebrije, what animal combination would you create? What colors would it be? Make your own magical paper alebrije (or maybe try making one from modeling clay).
if you have a pet, what is the best thing about it and what is the hardest? If you don't have a pet, what pet would you most like to have? What might be the hardest part of having that pet?
pair this with Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins and The Stray by Molly Ruttan for some other unusual pet adoption problems.
