Here’s the other half of my favorite Filipino storybooks:
6. Ang Pambihirang Sombrero
Written and illustrated by the same author of Dindo Pundido (Jomike Tejido), Ang Pambihirang Sombrero (which I will translate as The Amazing Hat) is magic and splendor and dreams all packaged in one book with a little girl named Mia as the main character. The story started with Mia finding a strange-looking hat from her Grandmother’s wooden trunk. What happens after the discovery is a marvelous read that involves a policeman, a doctor, a baker, to name a few. Read this book wearing a big hat and enlist the support of different persons in the room where the storytelling session will happen and the kids will be giggling away. I tried this here in China and I should try this in the Philippines too!
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7. Just Add Dirt
Miguel doesn’t like taking a bath. He prefers to go to sleep dirty and full of grime. His Nanay (Mother) repeatedly told him to clean himself but Miguel would just say: “Maybe by…” He woke up one day with mung bean seedlings growing out of his ears. More vegetables started growing in other parts of his body and Miguel became helpless on how to get rid of them. What happened to Miguel? Find out in this story by Becky Bravo. with fun illustrations by Jason Moss. The Basadours led by Denise Cristobal and Cindie Del Rosario had a storytelling recently in partnership with Cebu Parkmall and “Just Add Dirt” was one of the stories that were read to the children. Fun, informative, and educational, Adarna House recommends this books for children ages eight to 10 years old.
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8. Chenelyn! Chenelyn!
Hardworking and loyal househelpers deserve most of the credit in the world for keeping our homes in order. They should be treated with dignity and respect and this book written by Rhandee Garlitos and illustrated by Liza Flores did just that. Told from the perspective of a child about their househelper, the story smoothly paints a picture of the magic that Chenelyn brings to their home. All children with yayas should be read this story and those who don’t treat their yayas well should get a lesson or two from this one. Well, in fact, all of us can learn from this book.
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9. Haluhalo Espesyal
This is one, delicious storybook that reminds me of home-cooked meals and snacks. Perhaps Yvette Ferreol wrote this story while remembering her own Grandmother’s magic kitchen that can produce all sorts of goodies: tsamporado (chocolate rice porridge), ensaymada, turon (crisp banana rolls covered with molten sugar), haluhalo. Name it! This is a culinary adventure that took me back to the times when I lived in one compoud with my parents, my siblings, uncles, aunties, cousins, and… my grandparents, who made every single day special by cooking different treats. With illustrations by Jill Arwen Posadas, this is one book that will make you feel homesick.
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10. Si Hinlalaki
I first read this story when I was four years old – that was 1990 – and as a Day Care pupil. Yes, this is a book first published by Adarna House in 1980 and written by Virgilio S. Almario. Hinlalaki (The Thumb) has a different form and shorter than his other siblings so he was considered an outcast among the five children of Mother Hand. His siblings Hintuturo, Hinlalato, Palasingsingan and Kalingkingan have clear tasks which they can do well, but as for Hinlalaki, nobody was really sure. Find more about this story that taught me the values of unity and teamwork as a young child.
Feel free to email us at theruffolos@readingruffolos.com if you have any book suggestions. Excited to read your emails!
