Unfortunately, none of the dogs and cats at the animal shelter feel quite right. Leo is searching for something special, maybe even magical. At a lively open-air market, Leo and his older brother, Rey, are drawn to a vendor selling fantastical, brightly colored creatures—combinations of different animals in dazzling hues. The brown-skinned shopkeeper explains that these are alebrijes, magical beings from Mexico that can be adopted only by those they choose. Leo is overjoyed when a neon-winged wolf-dog selects him. He names it Lobo. But life with a magical pet isn’t easy. Lobo flies off during baths, races away “faster than a bolt of lightning” on walks, and leaves foul-smelling rainbow messes in his wake. Overwhelmed, Leo wonders if he can handle such a powerful companion. But with Mamá, Papá, and Rey’s help, he learns to care for Lobo in creative ways. Inspired by real-life alebrijes, vibrant Mexican folk-art sculptures of mythical creatures, Gama’s inviting illustrations burst with energy and imagination. Though fantastical, Marquez’s heartwarming story makes clear that adopting a pet—even an out-of-this-world one—isn’t easy, but teamwork makes all the difference. Leo and Mamá have warm brown skin and curly dark hair; Rey and Papá have lighter skin and dark hair. The family is cued Latine, and Spanish words are interspersed.