Filipino children’s books are featured at the 35th Manila International Book Fair, slated Sept. 17-21 at the SMX Convention Center.
For primary readers, Adarna House’s new books include “Masaya Ako!” illustrated by Yasmin Doctor; “Mga Hayop sa Pilipinas,” illustrated by Iori Espiritu, which shows animals indigenous to the Philippines; and “Pista Na!” illustrated by Ariel Santillan, which teaches the different elements of a Filipino fiesta.
New story books from Adarna House are “A Boy Named Ibrahim,” by Sitti Aminah “Flexi” Sarte, illustrated by Aaron Asis, a peek into a Muslim child’s life; “Go!” by Becky Bravo and Vanessa Tamayo (a partnership publication with the science department), discussing the value of energy-giving carbohydrates; “May Darating na Trak Bukas” featuring a poem by National Artist Virgilio Almario, illustrated by the multi-awarded Sergio Bumatay III; and “Ngumiti Si Andoy” by Xi Zuq, illustrated by Dominic Agsaway, about a boy who makes new discoveries about the life of Andres Bonifacio.
Summit Books features “Dream Big Books,” a line of storybooks by Yvette Fernandez that seek to inspire children, featuring personalities such as tycoon John Gokongwei Jr. (“Big John,” illustrated by Abi Goy), National Book Store’s Socorro Ramos (“Nanay Coring,” illustrated by Liza Flores), Jesse Robredo (“Simply Jesse,” illustrated by Nicole Lim), Lea Salonga (“Princess Lea,” illustrated by Nicole Lim), and the Aquino Family (“Ninoy, Cory and Noynoy” illustrated by Abi Goy).
Nonfiction
Anvil Publishing will showcase the books “The Rice Book for Kids” and “The Coconut Book for Kids” by Norma Chikiamco, illustrated by Marvin Malabanan. “The Rice Book for Kids” tackles the staple food that is rice, including the ecosystems, festivals and rituals, how to say “rice in 24 different languages” as well as recipes to make rice more fun to eat. “The Coconut Book for Kids,” on the other hand, explores the different varieties of coconuts, coconut picking, coconut festivals, and easy to make coconut recipes.
Tahanan Books returns with the second volume of “Bugtong, Bugtong,” by Daniel Palma Tayona, a charming collection of 57 riddles in Filipino, a salute to the late great children’s book author Rene O. Villanueva. Featured in the book is Oskar, a dog that roams his master’s house and the field beyond, encountering adventures and object presented in the form of a riddle.
