June 12 is right around the corner. We plan to learn about Philippine Independence Day in our usual way - fun, gentle, and literature-based. I went to National Bookstore without a specific title in mind and was just hoping for the best. I looked through the books published by Tahanan Books knowing beforehand that its books are mostly well-written and beautifully … [Read more...]
Isang Mayang Uhaw: Experiencing Birds
Five birds, one glass of water. This old fable, as retold by Victoria Anonuevo and illustrated by Virgilio Almario in Isang Mayang Uhaw published by Adarna House, is about a clever sparrow who came up with a solution to his problem. How can a small sparrow quench his thirst after four bigger birds get their fill and leave him with a nearly empty glass? A … [Read more...]
Ang Pambihirang Sombrero: Neighborhood, Hats, and Art
I have almost given up on finding a Filipino children’s book appropriate for a three-year old when I found Ang Pambihirang Sombrero (The Strange-Looking Hat) by Jose Miguel Tejido at National Bookstore. With fantastic illustration, this story of a hat that can hold so many things on top is just silly and magical. In a week’s time, our copy is dog-eared and wrinkled – signs of a … [Read more...]