More Picture Books in Filipino

“While a people preserves its language; it preserves the marks of liberty.” – Jose Rizal

During our recent vacation in Negros, our little Queen B started learning to speak Ilonggo, her Daddy’s native dialect. It brought such joy to her grandma and to us, as well, to hear her accented Ilonggo. It will still be a while before she can be considered fluent but for now, what’s important is her enthusiasm to learn.

Here in the Philippines, we celebrate Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa (National Language Month) every August. It is a time we honor the Filipino language as well as the many dialects we have as a nation. In schools, presentations like choral recitations, choir singing, folk dances, and plays are common parts of the festivities. I actually have fond memories of similar presentations done back in high school. But if there is one activity that truly made me appreciate the Filipino language, it is reading.

As I have previously shared, I first developed a love for reading when I started reading my mother’s tiny collection of Filipino romance novels. I know, they are not the best books to get started and personally, will not let my little Queen B read them until she is much older (maybe when she is 18). Nonetheless, I am still thankful for those paperbacks because they were the catalyst that started this lifelong habit of reading.

Today, as a parent, I am glad of the abundance of picture books available in the Filipino language. There are picture books that re-tell beloved classic Filipino stories and legends. There are stories about Filipino heroes as well as ordinary people. There are also picture books that address social issues, even health concerns. Filipino literature is alive and well in the pages of these children’s books.

Today, let me share with you 9 picture books in Filipino that you can include in your home library.

Ang Pambihirang Buhok 

- story by Luis P. Gatmaitan, MD, illustrated by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero

Ana is envious of her cousin, Raquel. Raquel is fair, speaks English fluently, from the city, and she has this colorful hair. But Raquel has a secret. This beautifully illustrated book tells how Ana’s envy turned into admiration of her cousin, Raquel. I love that its story can help a parent to open a discussion with their kids about various sensitive but important topics.

Haluhalo Espesyal

- story by Yvette Fernandez, illustrated by Jill Arwen Posadas

A definite favorite of our little Queen B! Jackie has been sick for a week but the medicine her mother has been religiously giving her does not seem to work. Can Lola Itang’s visit and her enchanted kitchen restore Jackie’s health? A little warning: be prepared to also cook (or buy) the delicacies mentioned here.

Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon?

- story by Russell Molina, illustrated by Hubert Fucio

Eboy’s father is a well-known barber. Every day, people line up outside his shop to have their hair cut by him. They all like what he does to their hair except Eboy who has had the same hair cut ever since. Discover the reason for this mystery in this lovely book.

Apat na Mata

- story by Eugene Evasco, illustrated by Redge Abos

A child’s first visit to an eye doctor can be frightening. This book can help soothe a child’s anxiety about needing to wear eyeglasses. Also, you can use this to explain to your kids why some people need to wear glasses and why we should not make fun of them.

Rizaldy

- story by Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by Yasmin Doctor

How does it feel to be named after a famous, most-accomplished personality? This book tells the story of an ordinary boy’s journey into coming to terms with his name and Rizal’s. This is a great story to introduce our National Hero to younger kids.

May Gulong na Bahay

- story by Genaro Gojo Cruz, illustrated by Paul Imbong

A father and daughter own a unique house: a house on wheels! They can take it wherever they go. But one day, it has gone missing. This story reminds us that one’s happiness and contentment do not depend on the size or even style of our home.

Si Ambongan

- story by Lamberto E. Antonio, illustrated by J.B. dela Peña

Anyone can be a hero, even a child. It tells the story of Ambongan (Makisig in Tagalog), a young boy who bravely warned his tribe and their leader, the Datu Lapu-lapu, of the incoming foreign invaders. This book is written in two dialects: Tagalog and Cebuano, another dialect my husband is fluent in. It is our hope that our little Queen B will also learn how to speak Bisaya or Cebuano in the future.

Pag-abot ni Kolor sa Lungsod

- story and illustrations by Susan Dela Rosa Aragon

Another picture book in Cebuano and Tagalog! This tells the story of Abog, a colorless town, and how its people discover that underneath the dirt enveloping their town is a world full of colors and beauty.

Harana ng Kuliglig

- poetry by Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by Saeid O. Mohamed Saleh

This is an award-winning collection of poetry for children in the Filipino language. Perfect for our Poetry Tea Time!

This month, in celebration of our National Language, why don’t we read aloud or encourage our little readers to read more picture books in the Filipino language (and other dialects as well). Aside from improving their proficiency in the Filipino language, it can also, help develop their sense of nationalism and patriotism.

P.S. Next month the annual Manila International Book Fair will be held. It's a great opportunity to avail these titles and more at a discounted price. 

Yours, 

Lady