The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has launched a series of storybooks for children in Filipino and English.

In ceremonies held on Friday at SM North Edsa, Unicef introduced the Children’s First! Storybooks, a collection of six books that promote reading to inspire children’s imagination.

Actress Anne Curtis, Unicef’s celebrity advocate, graced the launch as she is also the author of “Anita The Duckling Diva,” one of the six books.

Unicef Philippines representative Lotta Sylwander said the storybooks, written in Filipino and English for children 3 years and above, talk about different topics such as overcoming shyness, cultivating friendships and reaching for one’s dreams.

The book launch was in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.

Apart from teaching important lessons to children, the books also contain child-friendly versions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as Internet safety reminders for young people.

Slywander said proceeds from the sale of the books would benefit Unicef’s programs for children in the Philippines and around the world.