Top Filipino Children's Books

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Classic Filipino Children’s Books To Read Your Child

Every April 12th, we commemorate Children’s Book Day, a celebration that honors the magic and importance of literature in the lives of our young ones.

Celebrating the Children’s Book Day

This day holds special significance, reminding us of the profound impact stories can have on shaping the minds and hearts of children worldwide, whether they’re children’s books written about an inspiring young girl or funny stories and picture books for younger children.

Books that instill a sense of Filipino culture and traditions

While there are lots of children’s books written around the world about different cultures, there’s a wealth of Filipino children’s books written with a great sense of Filipino culture and traditions. These books could even be a means for young people to learn Tagalog and more about their Filipino heritage.

In the spirit of this celebration, let’s look into the rich tapestry of Filipino children’s literature and discover five timeless gems that continue to inspire young readers across generations.

5 Top Filipino Children’s Books

1. When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling

Capturing the essence of Filipino familial love that transcends generations

In this heartwarming picture book, Filipino-American debut author Michelle Sterling invites readers on a journey of the bond of Filipino families and cultural heritage.

In this When Lola Visits, days spent at the pool and picking golden limes off trees define summer for one young girl like many other kids brought up in Filipino-American culture and homes.

When Lola (grandmother), makes her annual visit to her granddaughter in the United States, she brings with her the warmth of Filipino culture and traditions.

In the picture book, Lola fills their tiny house with the aroma of freshly cooked mango jam and other Filipino food. In turn, the granddaughter brings Lola memories of a special summer as a season spent with family.

Through quirky illustrations and an inspiring story, Lola Visits captures the essence of Filipino familial love, Filipino food, summer transitions, and the gentle bonds that transcend generations. It’s a must-have collection in any Filipino-American library.

2. Hipon and Biya by Carla M. Pacis

A story about bravery, friendship, and acceptance

Written by Carla M. Pacis and artwork created by Joanne De Leon, this picture book beautifully illustrates the special moments shared between unconventional beings: a shrimp (hipon) and a goby fish (biya), as depicted in the cover images.

If you’re looking for unique children’s books, this one is perfect for kids ages 6 and below. It’s a quirky story showing bravery, friendship, and acceptance of each other’s differences.

At a young age, kids are taught how to interact genuinely and wholeheartedly with other children who might come from different cultures and backgrounds.

The book comes in dual-language picture books in English and Filipino language, making it a good companion for young people learning Tagalog.

Through its whimsical storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the picture book Hipon and Biya is sure to captivate the hearts of younger children and instill a deeper appreciation for Filipino traditions.

3. We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

Filipino-American award-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly invites readers on a journey of courage and resilience in We Dream of Space.

Kelly is one of the Filipino authors who has broken into global best-selling lists. While chapter books are not typically considered children’s books, this one is meant for middle-grade readers, a subsection of children’s books written for readers who are in late elementary school.

In this best-selling middle-grade children’s book, Entrada Kelly chronicles the story and experiences of three children in an unruly community dreaming of the future and of space in 1986.

It’s an inspiring story as it follows the children (one of whom is notably a young woman) seeing their dreams realized as they mature and have their own grown-up jobs. Despite their differences, the children in the family felt compelled to pave their path in the world in their unique ways.

Set against the backdrop of an unstable Filipino-American community, it’s a story not just for children but for the whole family, parents included.

4. Corazon Aquino by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Adventures of a studious child with a vivid imagination

Part of the Little People, Big Dreams children’s books series, Corazon Aquino tells the story of the little girl who grew up to challenge a dictator’s rule and made a lasting impact in Filipino lives everywhere.

Vegara’s book follows the adventures of little Cory (as Corazon Aquino was lovingly called by her friends and family), a studious child with a vivid imagination.

During Cory’s time, the country fell under the unjust rule of a dictator, and she embarks on a quest to restore peace and justice with the help of her friends. After all, the little girl that was Corazon Aquino grew up to become the first female president of the Philippines.

The children’s book also touches on bits of Filipino mythology and ideologies, making it a good read for younger people.

Through Vegara’s masterful storytelling and quirky illustrations by award-winning artist Ginnie Hsu, Corazon Aquino is a captivating read that empowers young readers to stand up against injustice and embrace the magic within themselves.

5. Mang Andoy’s Signs by Mailin Paterno

A journey of resilience and hope in the face of adversity

In this poignant chapter book, Mailin Paterno takes readers on a journey of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Set in a bustling Filipino community, Mang Andoy’s Signs follows the story of one young girl’s determination to make a difference.

When her family gathers to protest against an unjust leader, she finds inspiration in her great-grandfather, who left a legacy as a member of the United Farm Workers.

In this children’s book, the young girl and her grandfather, Mang Andoy, create signs that say more than just the words written. It’s a tale of family, perseverance, and Filipino values.

Through Paterno’s evocative prose and Isabel Roxas’ illustrations, Mang Andoy’s Signs celebrates the power of community and the enduring spirit of social justice.

It’s a must-read for young readers eager to explore themes of activism and empowerment within the context of Filipino culture.

Special Mentions to Add to Your Collection of Children’s Books

While these books aren’t necessarily classic Filipino children’s books, they’re worth the read:

Amor (Or, The Bat Who Thought She Was An Owl) by May M. Tobias

Filled with gentle lessons and timeless wisdom

A modern classic in Filipino children’s literature, Amor (Or, The Bat Who Thought She Was An Owl) is a story about a spirited young girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. This charming chapter book is filled with gentle lessons and timeless wisdom.

As Amor navigates through her magical world, encountering quirky characters and overcoming challenges, readers are treated to a whimsical adventure that defines the essence of childhood wonder.

With its enchanting narrative and endearing characters, Amor (Or, The Bat Who Thought She Was An Owl) is a must-have in every young reader’s library, inspiring them to embrace their unique talents and soar to new heights.

Ma-Me-Mi-MUMU! by Jomike Tejido

Tales of Filipino mythical creatures

There’s a trove of children’s books that feature Filipino folklore, and Ma-Me-Mi-MUMU! is a good one to start with.

It talks about Filipino mythological creatures like the mananggal (a ghoul with a split body and bat wings), the tiktik (a flesh-eating bird), and the nuno sa punso (a dwarf-like nature spirit). It incorporates Filipino beliefs of the supernatural.

However, it does so without making it scary. In fact, Jomike Tejido is one of the Filipino authors that make these creatures fun. He writes the prose in rhymes and quirky beats.

These five classic Filipino children’s books are not only entertaining but also serve as windows into the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage.

From heartwarming tales of family bonds to whimsical adventures steeped in mythology, each story offers young Filipinos a glimpse into the beauty and resilience of our people’s spirit.

As we celebrate Children’s Book Day on April 12th, let us continue to cherish and nurture the literary treasures that inspire, educate, and unite us all.