Growing up, we’ve been so surrounded by Western culture that the first animals and plants we learn about don’t even exist on our own shores.
It’s a pity since the Philippines is one of the most biodiverse places globally, with over 20,000 species that can only be found in the country. Some of them even thrive in our own backyards!
Books to help your kids learn about Philippine wildlife
Thankfully, there are now many resources to help us foster a love for local flora and fauna in our own kids. Here are five books and learning materials that will help your kids appreciate the wonders of Philippine wildlife.
The Ateneo Wild Coloring Book Series (Php395 each)
Language: English / Format: Softcover
It’s easy to think the only animals in the city are Maya birds and strays. But according to the book’s publisher, Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, all kinds of wildlife can be found in pockets of greenery like schools, parks, cemeteries, and even gardens and empty lots.
Authored by Abby Favis and Trinket Constantino and featuring beautiful illustrations by Iya Regalario, the Ateneo Wild coloring books are available in four volumes: Resident Birds, Native Trees, Wildflowers, and Butterflies & Moths.PHOTO BY courtesy of Ateneo Institute of SustainabilityADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWEach coloring book includes tips for finding and identifying the featured plants and animals in your own garden. Enjoy coloring the detailed illustrations with your kids, and try spotting these birds, butterflies, plants, and trees around the city.
The Ateneo Wild Coloring Book Series is available for purchase on Lazada and Shopee.
The City Wild: Urban Biodiversity from A-Z (free)
Language: English / Format: Downloadable PDF
Another work from the Ateneo Wild and Ateneo Institute of Sustainability are these handy flashcards illustrated by Inya De Vera.
Each flashcard features a local urban species or scientific concept together with beautiful illustrations and activity suggestions.PHOTO BY courtesy of Ateneo Institute of SustainabilityPublished by the Forest Foundation Philippines, the flashcards are free to download on the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability website. There are three versions available: one for back-to-back printing, one for printing letter cards only, and a full-screen version you can view on your tablet or any other electronic device.
CONTINUE READING BELOWRecommended VideosA First Look at Philippine Birds, Butterflies, Fishes (Php350)
Language: English / Format: Board Book
Why learn about zebras and lions when we can discover the Palawan Peacock Pheasant and Whale Shark? Authored by Maria Elena Paterno and illustrated by Crispin Dayao, Jr., this book is sure to satisfy our kids’ curiosity about Philippine biodiversity.
Its publisher, Tahanan Books, has two softcover editions for older kids called “A First Look at Philippine Butterflies” and “A First Look at Philippine Birds.”PHOTO BY courtesy of Tahanan BooksAvailable for purchase on Tahanan Books and The Learning Basket.
A First Look at Philippine Fruits, Flowers, & Trees (Php350)
Language: English / Format: Board Book
This board book authored by Lolita J. Bulalacao, Ph.D., is perfect for introducing babies to local plants, fruits, and flowers, especially with its eye-catching illustrations by Crispin Dayao, Jr.
Tahanan Books offers a discount if you purchase this book as a set with “A First Look at Philippine Birds, Butterflies, and Fishes.”PHOTO BY courtesy of Tahanan BooksADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWAvailable for purchase on Tahanan Books and The Learning Basket.
Bird Flight (Php295 for English edition, Php215 for Filipino edition)
Language: English and Filipino / Format: Softcover
This novel by Carla M. Pacis is a must-read for any budding bookworm! The story revolves around a group of Philippine birds held in captivity by a private collector.
Bird Flight's illustrators are Felix Mago Miguel, Kat Casapao for the English cover, and Camille Dagal for the Filipino cover. The translation is by Ellen Sicat. Anvil Kids is the publisher.PHOTO BY courtesy of Anvil KidsWhen a vulnerable baby Sulu Hornbill — one of the last of her kind — is brought into the cage, they rally to care for her and hatch a plan to find her a mate. To do so, they must escape the aviary and fly the length of the Philippines to return her to her natural habitat.
Available in English and Filipino on Anvil Publishing.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWWhat other parents are reading
Enter your details below and receive weekly email guides on your baby's weight and height in cute illustration of Filipino fruits. PLUS get helpful tips from experts, freebies and more!
We sent a verification email. Can't find it? Check your spam, junk, and promotions folder.
Don't Miss Out On These!
