8 Brilliant Filipino Storybooks

(Part 3 of 16 BOOKS I’LL FORCE* MY KID TO READ)

 

My little girl will grow up with these books. And I am so excited for her! She’ll eventually have her own favourites, but for now I’ll read her these 8 amazing storybooks.

 

Carangcal: Ang Bayaning Isang Dangkal

Story by Rene Villanueva

Illustration by Kora Dandan- Albano

Published by Lampara Books

This retelling is a proof that we have a wealth of folk tales we can tap. The first of a series, all Carangcal books carry Kora Albano’s exceptional illustrations. It is obvious that she put a lot of work, creativity and individuality in every page. It was written by Rene Villanueva and he’s got his stamp on it. The story is funny, fantastic but believable. Rene is a prolific writer who never runs out of ideas. And even when the story is a retelling, he manages to give it a new spin. You always end up rooting for the character, be it a small hero, a stray dog or a paper kid. 

Si Isem sa Bayang Bawal Tumawa

Story by Eugene Evasco

Illustration by John Crisostomo

Published by Lampara Books

Isem is an Iluko word that means smile. As an Ilocano, I immediately bought the book when I read the title. And it did not disappoint. Eugene is another favourite author who amazingly spews out stories like a shoe factory. And all the stories pass quality check, even exceeds them. That's why I've been hoarding all his books since Isem. This hilarious and quirky story is on the top of my list among his works, right next to Sampung Bukitkit and Anina ng mga Alon. The illustrations are impressive--Rupanget's face is really rupanget! That's face and ugly in ilocano, haha.

La-on and the 7 Headed Dragon

Story by Gabby Lee and Marcy Dans Lee

Illustration by Marcy Dans Lee

Published by Adarna House

A wonderful retelling of a Negrense legend! And the illustrations are very detailed, amusing and original. It’s done in verses, action-packed and humorous. There is this one page where the belly of the dragon is shown and it is populated with posters and ads for tubero and other services usually posted on street lamps.

Ang Pambihirang Sombrero

Story and Illustrations by Jomike Tejido

Published by Adarna House

A book by an author-illustrator I admire. You have to read his other books, too— from the early Dindo Pundido to the most recent Jepoy Jeep series. His work is consistently good. I also like his collaborations with his wife, Haraya (i have 10 Polka-dots Zebras) . The whole book is an exercise for the imagination and I love that it also introduces community workers.

Mister Beetle’s Many Rooms

Story and Illustrations by Robert Magnuson

Published by Adarna House

Another great author-illustrator! I consider Robert as the Philippines’ Dr. Seuss. The story is lyrical and meanders on science and friendship. Mr. Beetle is just adorable, so are his neighbors. There is a sequel to this title that is as good (Mr. Beetle's Special Guitar ). His Kuting Magiting board books are also impressive and appealing to kids (and adults too!).

The Little Girl in a Box

Story by Felinda Bagas

Illustration by Aldy Aguirre

Published by Adarna House

This book is just beautiful. The story brings you to places, in a box, with the little girl. The tale is seamless, the lovely illustrations done in watercolor. You know you are about to encounter a special book once you hold it in your hand. And more importantly, it talks about an unpopular topic— adoption. This book is beautiful and powerful. It can change how we look at things. 

SOL

Story by Agay Llanera

Illustration by Farley Del Rosario

Published by Canvas

I first read this legend when the title was Jealous Moon. Now I am holding a charming book, whimsically illustrated but still the same strong narrative. It touches on music, on pride, on love. Every page, the words and the art works seize the reader. It pulls you into the story until you finish, entranced and pleasantly surprised. If you love words and how they transform into a brilliant story when strung together, you should read more of Agay's works. Choc Chips Hips, Once Upon A player and Vintage Love are pure <3.

Some Women

Story by Bunny Ty

Book Design by Beaulah Taguiwalo

Published by Anvil

It’s a poetry book, a feminist book and an art book rolled into one. It’s a handy introduction, not just to world and Philippine visual art but also to the meaning of true beauty. I love that every page carries one or two obra and just a line or two of the poem.

5 Filipino Children’s Book Classics

(Part 2 of 16 BOOKS I’LL FORCE* MY KID TO READ)

The following are well-loved books. As a teacher, these would be among few selected books I’ll build a curriculum around. As a mother, I will read them over and over to my little girl.

SI INGGOLOK AT ANG PLANETA PAKASKAS

Story by Lem Garcellano and Rene Villanueva

Illustration by Bernard Bunag and Jojo Topacio

Published by Cacho Publishing House, Inc.

One of Aklat Batibot series, Si Inggolok at ang Planeta Pakaskas could be your child’s first sci-fi story. And it’s really timely, with climate change at our doorstep. Lem Garcellano and Rene Villanueva are masters of storytelling and they are two big minds behind the children’s show Batibot. Lem Garcellano produced other equally wonderful shows for kids (check out Eskuwela ng Bayan, PetKo, Sirit) and wrote children’s books Klekluk and Si Puyinggot at si Puyonggit. What I love about his books is the play of words. I know the story behind Inggolok (Inggo, look!) and Pakaskas (that yummy Mindoro delicacy). And he is so good at world building, worlds you can imagine existing. He also strikes anytime, anywhere (he can write at the noisy mall foodcourt, while doing the laundry or taking care of his grandkids). Rene Villanueva is a playwright who wrote over 60 books. He is best known for his Carancal series. I’ll tell you more about him in my next blog post.

BRU-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA... BRU-HI-HI-HI-HI-HI...

Story by Ma. Corazon Remigio

Illustration by Roland Mechael Ilagan

Published by Adarna House

The title seems lots of fun and yes, this book is packed with laughter. But it also deals with many issues: growing old, discrimination, superstitious beliefs gone haywire. I love the mystery, the build up and the twist at the end. The illustrations are realistic and are very Filipino. Every scene depicted in the book invokes a range of emotions from the reader.

PAPEL DE LIHA

Story by Ompong Remigio

Illustration by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero

Published by Adarna House

The story is simple yet powerful. It is beautifully rendered by one of my favourite Filipino children’s book illustrator. Even before I became a mother, this book appealed to me.  More than just a tribute to moms, it is also a book for daughters and sons. The story is musical, like Nanay’s lullaby. Once you read it, you’ll remember how your mother cared for you. And if you’re a parent, realize that you have the same boundless love for your child. Some say the story confines women’s role to housework but the whole narrative is from a child’s point of view. If you look through the character’s eyes you’ll see what she sees and feel what she feels—hands that are gentle, hands of her mother who loves her.

SUNDALONG PATPAT

Story by Virgilio Almario

Illustration by Ferdinand Doctolero

Published by Adarna House

Sundalong Patpat will always have a special place in my heart. I remember when I first started collecting children’s books, this particular title put a spell on me. I love reading it over and over again. And no wonder, the author, Virgilio Almario is a poet and a National Artist for Literature.  His works have been known to be mind-blowing, heart-racing and revolutionary. The art works by Ferdinand Doctolero are full of movement. Every page is distinctive and throbbing with adventure.

SI CHING NA TAKOT SA DILIM

Story by Aleli Dew Batnag

Illustration by Paul Eric Roca

Published by Adarna House

This books deals, not just with fear of the dark but with the wonders of the night. It personally appealed to me because I am a creature of the stars. The magnificence of the night sky is something I always want to share and this book does it for me. I like the use of colors and thick wavy lines in the illustrations. The dark is not depicted as solid black but a myriad of cool (blues, violets, greens) colors.

16 BOOKS I’LL FORCE* MY KID TO READ

(Part 1 of 3-parts series in celebration of World Book Day)

This is not a book review. This is just me, a children’s book fanatic raving about my favorite books. Most of these I loved even before my first book came out.

If someone asked me then for 3 most admired names in children’s literature, my answer would have been Augie Rivera, Becky Bravo and Russell Molina.  And faced with the same question now, my answer is still the same.  Why? It’s because of these three books:

MAGNIFICENT BENITO AND HIS TWO FRONT TEETH

Story by Augie Rivera and Mike Rivera

Illustration by Jason Moss

Published by Adarna House

Yes, Augie Rivera is known for his other stories— the classic Alamat ng Ampalaya, the controversial Mantsa and his most recent Ang Bata sa Basket. But this title will always be my favorite: MAGNIFICENT BENITO AND HIS TWO FRONT TEETH. He wrote this with Mike, his partner. I wish they will write a sequel. This book is hilarious! Really, I always crack up whenever I read it. And Jason Moss’ illustrations! They go so well with the humor and wit of the story. I liked Benito, the main character so much I named one of my cats after him (I even staged a puppet play of the story in my creative writing class and in Conspiracy bar for a KUTING event! And made fan art haha). Some people find the book a bit dark for young minds but I think it’s fantastic. It’s reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake’s books.

FISH FOR TWO

Story by Beck Bravo

Illustration by Jason Moss

Published by Lampara Books

Becky Bravo has a way with words. They become magical, powerful when she wields them (you should also read Rooster in the Sun, Just Add Dirt and The Rocking Horse). I can almost smell the bangus, the tilapia, the lapulapu! I can hear the cat’s mewling! I can feel the fish bone in MY throat! That’s why I love love this book. Ok, so I’m a cat-lover but I assure you, even those who do not fancy cats will enjoy this book. Jason Moss’ illustrations for this story is so funny, he remains one of my dream illustrators until now (Hi Jason! :D). I wish I came up with the story. I wish I have the originality of the artist. Yes, it’s a book I wish I wrote and illustrated.

SANDOSENANG KUYA

Story by Russell Molina

Illustration by Hubert Fucio

Published by Adarna House

If I were to describe Russell Molina’s stories, it would be “may kurot sa puso.” He never fails. You will find yourself smiling, surprised, and sniffling. He does it in a few pages. In verses! His works are fun to read aloud, too. Go ahead, grab a copy of one of his books and you’ll know what I mean. He also writes mean graphic novels—Sixty Six and 12:01. Among his children's books, I love  Salamat Po! and Tuwing Sabado. But Sandosenang Kuya will always be my favorite.  It is illustrated wonderfully by Hubert Fucio. I learned from my Educ Reading classes that a story book is a twice-told tale. Hubert did an amazing retelling of the story with his unique technique, lively colors and animated lines. 

(part 2 will be posted soon)

*Jedi mind trick :p