By Pat Parungao
What is the first book about or by a Filipino Canadian author or illustrator that you can recall?
My first book having anything to do with the Philippines or by or about Filipinos was (not Canadian) Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings by Gregorio F. Laide (1970). I still have this book.
Fast–forward to my adult life as a teacher-librarian and a founding member of the Vancouver Asian Literature Reading Circle – I have paid attention to multicultural children’s, young adult, and adult books, especially Canadian. Here are a few Filipino Canadian children’s books that have crossed my path.
A for Adobo by Nelson Agustin. Now in its 3rd edition. I loved this book not only for the spectacular photos, but also because of the dual language – Tagalog and English – text. When I received a grant as a teacher-librarian I invited Nelson to come to speak to high school students about this excellent book.
Next are 3 children’s picture books that were presented at the Pasko Storytime event last December (see more about these books in an article in the December 16 – 31, 2024, Philippine Asian News Today – Vol. 26, No. 4).
Adventures in Desolation Sound by Grant Lawrence, illustrated by Ginger Ngo. My grandniece and her parents loved this children’s picture book, especially the part where the parents make an effort to get the kids away from television to experience what life is all about in a natural setting.
It’s Okay, Just Ask by Monique Leonardo Carlos. This heartwarming book lovingly encourages the child (narrator), who is anxious about moving to a new country, to ask questions. The adults respond to questions such as “will we ever come back?” respectfully and honestly.
A Roof! by Stephanie Ellen Sy. This book integrates the bayanihan spirit of communal unity and cooperation, where people come together to help others, especially during times of need, without expecting reward. A young girl and her Tatay, along with others they meet along the way collectively seek (and find!) the owner of a roof that lands in their yard after a strong typhoon.
The values of unity, empathy and collective action reflected in bayanihan is and has been very evident since the tragic attack at the end of the Lapu-Lapu festival last Saturday April 26. This book might help young children to process how a destructive action can be addressed by the bayanihan spirit.
Book cover of Jesse the Dragosaur by Danvic Briones. https://www.canadianfilipino.net/culture/arts/jesse-the-dragosaur-swims-his-way-into-children-s-hearts-where-he-belongs
Jesse the Dragosaur by Danvic Briones. Jesse is a hybrid animal who swims, chats, sings, dances under the deep blue sea with underwater friends. One day, hurtful comments from a school of fish about Jesse’s difference, strangeness, and scariness affect Jesse’s self-esteem – is Jesse a dragon or a dinosaur? This book might help young children who are uncertain about their self-identity and self-esteem. It was a favourite book of Ola, my grandniece (who had just turned 3 three days earlier on the video below) reading it during bedtime storytime.
Ola reading about Jesse the Dragosaur. Video credit: Ycasiano family.
Lastly: please read bedtime stories for and with your children. This routine activity is not only fun, but improves language skills, enhances reading comprehension, and strengthens parent-child bonds. Higher literacy rates are associated with a greater quality of life, leading to better employment opportunities, increased income, and improved health outcomes, and who doesn’t want that?
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