5 Filipino Children's Books To Help Shape Your Child’s Mind

It’s no secret that children are sponges, they absorb the environment around them figuratively and at times, literally. Like I can’t count how many times I’ve seen a child lick a random slide at the park. But more than that, we hear them repeat phrases we have said, imitate how we move, and even mimic specific behaviors when we were oblivious that they were paying attention at all. Same goes for what we are teaching them, are they only learning normal academic curriculum and is that enough? But the back side of that question, are we forgetting to teach them what is important to us as Filipinos? Well of course they’ll need to learn nouns, adjectives, their ABCs but here is a list of 5 Filipino Children’s books that will help them stay connected to their Filipino roots and shape their minds for the better.. 

1. TAGALOG: My First 150 Words by Andres Cruz

Let’s start with a book that could benefit both parent and child. If I’m being completely honest, the fluency of Tagalog with Filams versus other asian american households is somewhat lacking. So let’s fix that and dive into a nightly routine of learning Tagalog with Andres Cruz’ TAGALOG: My First 150 Words. It’s always been assumed that kids have an easier time learning language than adults and with this book their first 150 words can be bilingually programmed at a young age. I mean, we will inevitably teach them everyday things like colors and animals, so why not have them also learn how to speak their own language simultaneously. And if you are part of the elite who already know tagalog, pass your heritage on to your kids before it’s too late!

2. A is for Adobo: ABCs of Filipino Culture by G.M. Reyes

Maybe your little one is too young for full words and just needs help with the basics, the ABCs. This can still be a crucial window in their early development to connect basic principles to their Filipino culture as well. A is for Adobo by G.M. Reyes will help in the aiding of alliteration with the ABCs by tying the alphabet to true Filipino concepts and traditions. I mean, when else would be a good time to teach the letter “T” and associate it with the word Tabo? Not only are we training the ear but each fully illustrated page also gives meaning and cultural background to the words they are learning. From words like adobo, boracay, or gigil, your child will have so much of the homeland engraved in their hearts, it will truly make our Titas and Lolos proud that we are continuing to pass on our language at such a young age. 

3. KIND MIND by Randy A. De Jesus

As our kids learn to navigate the world around them and figure out good social practices, we as teachers need to paint an exact picture of what it looks like to be a good person. Rad is Rad books does just that, with a variety of books starring food items as main characters, Rad is Rad books aims to teach children about morals such as positivity, patience, and kindness. After talking to Filipino author, Randy A. De Jesus, he gave insight about how these books were written with a passion to teach his kids to be good hearted and he hopes will leave a lasting  impression on future generations. He truly pours his heart into his books from every detail of the graphics to the cadence of his rhyme scheme. It’s also worth mentioning that this isn’t his first time representing Filipinos with his attention grabbing illustrations. Rad is Rad was once a clothing brand that even made its mark on national television when dancers on MTVs America's Best Dance Crew wore his clothing for rehearsals and performances. Constantly finding ways to bring representation of Filipino talent to the forefront of mainstream media.

4. Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore

Needless to say, it’s so endearing to see one of our most beloved dishes being included in a heartwarming story of a mother daughter duo, creating their favorite dish together. Follow along as Cora is allowed to tackle a big task by helping prepare and cook a traditional Filipino dinner for her family. Will her meal get the approval of her brother and sister? With a 4.9 out of 5 rating and almost 500 reviews on Amazon, I think it’s safe to dive in with your little one and see if this story has all the ingredients for a recipe of success. 

5. Filipino Children's Favorite Stories by Liana Romulo

The last book on our list is one that truly brings joy to my soul, it’s an artistically crafted book about Filipino fables, myths, and fairy tales by Liana Romulo. This book covers thirteen charming tales that range from silly squabbles to moral lessons. With beautifully illustrated whimsical watercolors by award-winning artist Joanne de Leon, this is a must-have collection of tales for anyone interested in the Philippines or introducing their children to multicultural stories in a fun and accessible way. However, not to get overly sentimental but let’s look deeper into it, isn’t it such a heartwarming idea that you could be reading the stories that your parents or grandparents or maybe even your great grandparents grew up on. Not only are we showing our kids more than just the three little pigs or little red riding hood but we are also indirectly imprinting the childhood of our ancestors in their minds forever. I definitely could be maarte about that entireidea but remembering where you came from is the only way to truly understand where you should be going in life. 

As I got older, I was lucky to have grandparents teach me what they learned growing up in the Philippines and I was very fortunate to go to a school that offered tagalog as a credible course but that doesn’t change the fact that I get a little jealous when I see other Asian Americans more in touch with their culture. However, that can be fixed with the new generation of Filipino Americans still budding, an entire generation where maybe the small percentage who speaks tagalog will one day be the majority and hopefully the norm.

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Written By Niko Del Rey

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