Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
This Buwan ng Wika, we celebrate local authors and their roles in the lives of our children. Here are five children’s picture books produced by Filipinos for Filipinos, published proudly within the Philippines.
1) 100 Questions Filipino Kids Should Ask
First off the list is a book by Liwliwa N. Malabed, illustrated by Abi Goy. The book answers questions from the personal (“Why do we blink?”), the national (“Why is there no snow in the Philippines?), to the universally scientific (“What is a black hole?”). The book also has categories such as Fast Facts, Did You Know?, Only in the Philippines, and You Can Do This!
2) Si Ching na Takot sa Dilim
This book written entirely in Filipino by Aleli Dew Batnag and illustrated by Paul Eric Roca tells the story of Ching, a young boy who fears the dark but eventually discovers the wonders of the night. Join Ching in his journey and show your children that the dark isn’t something to be scared of!
3) Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy
This book by Russell Molina and illustrated by Marcus Nada has both Filipino and English texts in it, making it an ideal reading material for a young bilingual. The book tells the story of Titoy’s chair and where it brings him. Let your imagination run wild with Titoy and join him as his chair transforms into a car and even a spaceship!
4) The Yellow Paper Clip with Bright Purple Spots
Nikki Dy-Liacco’s story is illustrated by May Ann Licudine, telling the tale of an out-of-place yellow paper clip with bright purple spots. The paper clip struggles to find its place in the world, discovering that our differences make us fun and unique, and that our quirks definitely don’t make us any lesser than anyone else.
5) The Boy Who Touched Heaven
Written by Iris Gem Lee and illustrated by Sergio Bumatay III, Ang Batang Humipo sa Langit is another bilingual book with texts of both English and Filipino. It tells the story of a young Ifugaw boy who wanted to know what the clouds felt like, and how the moon got its shape, idly hanging from heaven. In his quest to reach heaven, a carabao, some monkeys, and an eagle accompany him. Find out what else he discovers on his way.
Disclaimer: All photos above are from Google Images.
All books are available in major bookstores nationwide.
Patricia Li is a frequent contributor to Familywise Asia and Workwise Asia. She loves to read and write, and tries to incorporate this in her career.
