Local Vancouver-based author Mar Andersons and illustrator Irvin Walkes have been honoured with a 2026 Christopher Award for Pablo, a children’s book published by kidstori for ages six and up.
The Christopher Awards, now in their 77th year, recognise authors, illustrators, filmmakers, and storytellers whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” This year, Pablo was one of only ten books selected across adult and children’s categories — joining nine TV, cable, and feature film productions also recognised this year. The organisation was founded in 1945 and lives by the motto: it’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
Pablo follows a scrappy Mexican street dog who gets dognapped by a well-meaning family from Seattle and must find his way back home to his familia. It’s an adventure story at heart — but it goes somewhere most children’s books won’t.
The story is built around the Five Stages of Grief, giving parents and kids a shared language for one of life’s hardest experiences. It’s written in English with Spanish words and phrases woven throughout, and a child psychologist’s lesson plan is included inside — making it just as useful in a classroom or counsellor’s office as it is at bedtime.
Here’s everything that comes with it:
Bilingual — English text with Spanish words and phrases throughout
Free video game — Play as Pablo, answering trivia on math, geography, and Spanish based on events in the book
Lesson plan — Written by a child psychologist, ready for home or classroom use
Stickers — Always welcomed!
The Creators
Mar Andersons — Author, Filmmaker, Actor Andersons is a 30-year veteran of the film industry and a member of the Directors Guild of Canada and ACTRA. You’ve likely seen him without knowing it — he’s appeared in over 50 productions including The X-Files, Yellowjackets, Firefly Lane, and Marvel’s Avengers Academy, and studied his craft alongside Jeff Goldblum and Malcolm McDowell. As a producer, his credits include a Leo Award-winning co-production and a Warner Brothers/Lions Gate release. He currently does voice work for Apple and Amazon and is starring in an animated television series.
Irvin Walkes — Illustrator, Graphic Designer Walkes has spent two decades working in illustration, watercolor, and logo design right here in Vancouver, drawing constant inspiration from the Pacific Northwest. A lifelong fan of comic books and graphic novels, he spent nearly two years bringing Pablo‘s world to life — and the richness of the imagery shows it.
Find It & Follow Along
Pablo is available now through kidstori. For more on the Christopher Awards and the full list of 2026 honourees, visit christophers.org.
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