10 Children's Storybooks that Teach Filipino Culture

One of the easiest ways to help our children learn and appreciate the Filipino language is by reading well-written and beautifully illustrated books to them on a daily basis. It is easy to do that now as Philippine children’s literature is growing and is being supported by publishers committed to producing world-class work.

Other than just reading for language exposure, however, it is important that we, as parents, ensure that our children also learn about and appreciate our country and our culture.

Start your child’s journey to loving Philippine books with the ten titles below. Make sure to expand his understanding and appreciation by connecting ideas to your immediate environment and by doing related activities as suggested below.


1. Ay, Naku!
Author: Reni Roxas
Illustrator: Serj Bumatay III
Publisher: Tahanan Books, 2010
Language: Filipino
Award: Best Children’s Picture Book, 2nd National Children’s Book Awards 2012

“Ay, Naku!” is the perfect first Filipino book to read to young children. Author Reni Roxas tells the story of a day in the life of Botbot in only 65 Filipino words. Those include the traditional Opo and the familiar cry of surprise or exasperation, Ay naku!

The wondrous illustrations depict Filipino family life and culture. Point out the uniquely Filipino toys such as trumpo, sipa, and sungka and try playing some of these games with your child! (Learn more: 10 Summer Toys Only Pinoy Kids from the ’80s can Relate to)


2. Si Putot
Author: Mike Bigornia
Illustrator: Charles Funk
Publisher: Adarna House, 1980
Language: Filipino

Putot is very embarrassed about his short tail. After talking to a worm, however, he realizes that a tail is still a tail, no matter its length.

The story and illustrations are rich with possible topics that you can discuss with your child. You can talk about being content with what you have and what you look like; it’s never too early to gently discuss sensitive topics with children.

The simple, bold colors make it easy to teach the Filipino words for red, orange, yellow, green, etc. In the book, Putot compares the length of his tail with other animals’; this can be a good introduction to sizes and measurement.

Putot complains that he is all tail and no body and enumerates the body parts that he is missing. This is the perfect time to teach your child the song “Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo” with corresponding actions.

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3. Isang Mayang Uhaw
Retold by: Victoria Anonuevo
Illustrator: Jimmy Torres
Publisher: Adarna House, 1993
Language: Filipino, with English translations

Based on one of Aesop’s fables, Victoria Anonuevo’s “Isang Mayang Uhaw” is about a small maya bird that was left with just a small amount of water in a glass. How it solves its problem makes a great science lesson on displacement, as the book clearly shows how water rises with each rock plopped into the glass.

The book also makes a natural jumping point for talking about different birds in the Philippines. Just look outside your window and make a connection between the book and real life! A trip to the zoo and focusing on the birds will be even better. (Tip: The Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area is a good place to start!)


4. Araw sa Palengke
Author: May Tobias-Papa
Illustrator: Isabel Roxas
Publisher: Adarna House, 2008
Language: Filipino, with English translations

Most children these days only get to go to the supermarket for food shopping. Wet markets, in all their smelly glory, are an alien concept. In “Araw sa Palengke,” a little girl goes to the palengke with her mother and describes what she sees, hears, and does there.

Simple but rich in details, the book is ideal for preparing your child to experience going to the market. You can talk about the different senses to relate to what the little girl in the story experiences and food classification to connect with food in a market.

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5. Ang Pambihirang Sombrero
Author and Illustrator: Jomike Tejido
Publisher: Adarna House
Language: Filipino, with English translations

Mia finds a hat in an old baul and it turns out to be magical. She puts it on her head, walks around her neighborhood, and accepts all the gifts that her neighbors put on her hat - a birdcage, a candlestick, a flower vase, etc.

One of the best things that you can do when you read this book is to go around your neighborhood with your child. Follow Mia’s route and visit a sari-sari store, a bakery, a doctor’s clinic, a police station, and a fire station. Look around and let your child feel a sense of belongingness in your area – something that you can’t find in a mall.


6. Ma-Me-Mi-Mumu
Author and Illustrator: Jomike Tejido
Publisher: Tahanan Books, 2013
Language: Filipino, with English translations

Award-winning illustrator Jomike Tejido introduces the monsters of Philippine folklore to a new generation of Filipinos. Writing in verse, he presents the tikbalang, tiyanak, kapre, aswang, manananggal, multo, tiktik, siyokoy, bungisngis, and nuno sa punso in a hilarious light.

Sophia, initially afraid of a mumu in their house, eventually falls asleep with the help of her loving grandfather. This is a book that can be appreciated the whole year round, and not just Halloween. (Looking for not-so-scary children's books? Click here to see more.)

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7. Ang Barumbadong Bus
Author: Rene O. Villanueva
Illustrator: Jo Ann Bereber-Gando
Publisher: Adarna House, 2003
Language: Filipino

Kas is a reckless, arrogant, and selfish bus that acts like the king of the road. He guzzles gas, smokes in front of poor plants until they can’t breathe anymore, and terrifies his passengers into going down the road. His eventual demise by slamming into a pole ends his dangerous antics and relegates him into a junkyard together with other wild vehicles.

Little boys will love “Ang Barumbadong Bus,” especially when you pretend to be a passenger and scream paraaaa! Use the book to talk about road safety, pollution, and all kinds of vehicles that you see on the streets.


8. Haluhalo Espesyal
Author: Yvette Fernandez
Illustrator: Jill Arwen Posadas
Publisher: Adarna House, 2012
Language: Filipino, with English translations

Jackie is sick and medicines are just not working! Her Lola Itang visits her from the province and treats her to delicious Filipino snacks every day of the week until she gets well.

Children will delight and salivate over the bibingka, tsamporado, ensaymada, turon, and of course, haluhalo, shown in the story. There is also an invitation at the end of the book to make your own haluhalo accompanied by a recipe.

We should make an effort to introduce traditional Filipino merienda to our children to widen their palate beyond burgers and fries. (Author Yvette Fernandez tells us the story behind Haluhalo Espesyal. Click here!)

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9. Sandosenang Sapatos
Author: Luis Gatmaitan, M.D.
Illustrator: Beth Parrocha-Doctolero
Publisher: OMF Literature
Language: Filipino, with English translations
Award: 1st Place, Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, 2001

Award-winning “Sandosenang Sapatos” tackles the difficult issue of disability in children. Susie, daughter of a shoe maker, is born without feet. With the boundless love of her family, she still grows up as a happy girl.

What makes this book special is the opportunity it provides parents to talk to their children about physical defects, individual differences, and leading a fulfilled life despite major challenges in life.


10. Aklat Adarna, Volume 5
Publisher: Adarna House, 1987
Language: Filipino

“Aklat Adarna”is a series of Philippine anthologies; Volume 5 is highly recommended as it contains popular poems and rhymes for children.

Parents and kids of all ages will enjoy the traditional Filipino nursery rhymes “Pen Pen de Sarapen,” “Pong Pong Kasili,” “Leron Leron Sinta,” “Ako’y Ibigin Mo,” “Tong Tong Tong,” “Sampung Mga Daliri,” and “Bahay Kubo.” If you don’t know these songs, search on You Tube and learn together with your child.

There are also enjoyable stories included in the collection: “Dragong Pula” and “Si Wako” both by Victoria Anonuevo, “Si Monica Dalosdalos” by Lucia Reyes, and “Si Aling Oktopoda” by Rosario Calma. These stories do not contain English translations but the clear and colorful illustrations will greatly aid the reader.

Teaching our children the Filipino language should not just be relegated to the confines of the classroom. Enjoying Philippine children’s literature with our children will go a long way in building their vocabulary and appreciation of our country.

Main image from visualphotos.com