Books by Asians have tripled in the US since 2016.
Before 2020, it was rare to see any children’s book about a Filipino or any book written by a Filipino.
From 2021, US publishers began to reprint books first published in the Philippines and also sought out Filipino American authors.
It’s now heartening to see more picture books on shelves with Filipino characters, creators, and stories. Here are six picture books that were readily available in our California library.
https://amzn.to/3BLY5uD
1. Mami King
By Jacqueline Chio-Lauri
Illustrated by Kristin Sorra
Lerner Publishing Group (2024)
Story of famous restauranteur Ma Mon Luk who moved to the Philippines from China and popularized mami and siopao.
https://amzn.to/4885ekY
2. Pedro’s Yo-yos
By Rob Peñas
Lee & Low Books Inc. (2024)
How a Filipino immigrant Pedro Flores invented the yo-yo, which has become
a classic and popular toy.
https://amzn.to/4h8b0XI
3. Sari-Sari Summers
Written and illustrated by Lynn Bontigao
Candlewick Press (2023)
Nora spends her summer at her lola’s sari-sari store when a heat wave strikes.
https://amzn.to/4h8CL2K
4. Maribel’s Year
By Michelle Sterling
Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales
Harper Collins Publishers (2023)
Maribel spends a year in America and waits for her father to join her from the Philippines.
https://amzn.to/3U3Ss0T
5. Dancing Hands
By Joanna Que & Charina Marquez
Illustrated by Fran Alvarez
Chronicle Books (2023)
Originally published in the Philippines in 2020 by Adarna House and Room to Read.
Mai is new to the neighborhood and becomes friends with her neighbor Sam. Mai teaches Sam some Filipino sign language and they learn to communicate with each other.
5. Doña Esmeralda, Who Ate Everything!
By Melissa De La Cruz
Illustrated by Primo Gallanosa
Orchard Books (2022)
Doña Esmeralda is always hungry and tired of eating leftovers. She discovers tasty treats and runs to gobble them up.
— By Audrey Cabaltica and Ivy Lopez
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