We thought we’d share some of our favorite Filipino books for kids including stories about families, Filipino culture, Filipino food, Philippine folk tales, books about the Philippines, as well as books that teach Tagalog and early concepts in Tagalog. Also included are biographies about historical figures and leaders in the Philippines and Filipino American changemakers in the US. Cover images and synopses provided courtesy of publishers, with exceptions noted.
December 2022 update: We’ve updated this post with new Filipino children’s books publishing in 2023! We’ll continue to update with more new upcoming Filipino children’s books in 2023 as the year goes on.
For one young girl, summer is the season of no school, of days spent at the pool, of picking golden limes off the trees. But summer doesn’t start until her lola—her grandmother from the Philippines—comes for her annual visit. Summer is special. For her lola fills the house with the aroma of mango jam, funny stories of baking mishaps, and her quiet sweet singing in Tagalog. And in turn, her granddaughter brings Lola to the beach, to view fireworks at the park, and to catch fish at their lake. When Lola comes, the whole family gathers to cook and eat and share in their happiness of another season spent together. Yet as summer transitions to fall, her lola must return home—but not without a surprise for her granddaughter to preserve their special summer a bit longer.
In an evocative tale brimming with the scents, tastes, and traditions that define summer for one young girl, debut author Michelle Sterling and illustrator Aaron Asis come together to celebrate the gentle bonds of familial love that span oceans and generations. Watch a video book trailer for When Lola Visits.
When Lola Visits was written by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Aaron Asis and published by Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins. Photo by Michelle Sterling.
MARIBEL’S YEAR is a celebration of the special connection between father and daughter that knows no bounds. This evocative, lyrical picture book from author Michelle Sterling and artist Sarah Gonzales recounts the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines.
New country, new school, new friends.
A lot can happen in a single year. But one thing’s for certain: Maribel won’t forget her papa, even when he’s eight-thousand miles away in the Philippines.
After all, Papa is all around. He is the memory of feeding koi fish in their pond every morning. He is the constellation map as Maribel dreams of showing him her new world. He is the packages and letters sent back and forth.
He is everywhere except the place he’s wanted the most. But the bond between Maribel and Papa transcends oceans. So as the snow melts and turns to rain, as flowers blossom and welcome sun-kissed days, and as the leaves start to change and snow begins to fall once more, can Maribel wait just a little bit longer?
Maribel’s Year was written by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales and published by HarperCollins. It comes out on May 9, 2023, and it’s available to order now!
In this love letter to the Philippines (and to grandmothers), a young girl comes up with a brilliantly delicious way to attract customers after a heat wave leaves her lola’s store empty.
Nora loves spending summers with Lola at her sari-sari store, a treasure trove filled with everything you could need, from hair accessories to toys, creamy yema to sour tamarind candy. And this year, Nora is big enough to help her grandmother. But when a heat wave strikes and no one comes to the store, Nora worries that she won’t get to spend the rest of the summer with her lola—until she gets a sweet idea. After all, the mangoes on the tree outside are finally ripe, and with a bit of measuring, mixing, and a good deal of tasting, Nora and Lola have a refreshing way to bring people together—and to the sari-sari store. With soft, heartfelt illustrations, Lynnor Bontigao’s endearing picture book—featuring a recipe for making mango ice candy like Nora’s—is an ode to ingenuity and to intergenerational relationships that’s as sweet and gentle as a kiss on the cheek.
Sari-Sari Summers was written and illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao and published by Candlewick Press. Its scheduled publication date is April 11, 2023.
For one girl, summers used to mean helping Lolo run his sari-sari store, which was always brimming with goods for the neighborhood: shampoo packets for Ate Jane, rice and eggs for Tonton, and a sympathetic ear for anyone who needed it. “Sari-sari means a good variety—just look around and you’ll see. What help can you give your community?” Lolo would say, as he filled his shelves with what people would need.
Now that she’s far from the Philippines, she misses Lolo and the friendly faces that surrounded his sari-sari store. But when she remembers her grandfather’s words, her heart keeps Lolo close, and she starts to see opportunities for connection and community in her new home.
Lolo’s Sari-sari Store was written by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Christine Almeda and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Its scheduled publication date is August 1, 2023.
Cora and Mama work together to cook up pancit for the family in this celebration of Filipino heritage and foods. Cora loves being in the kitchen, but she always gets stuck doing the kid jobs like licking the spoon. One day, however, when her older sisters and brother head out, Cora finally gets the chance to be Mama's assistant chef. And of all the delicious Filipino dishes that dance through Cora's head, she and Mama decide to make pancit, her favorite noodle dish.
With Mama's help, Cora does the grown-up jobs like shredding the chicken and soaking the noodles (perhaps Mama won't notice if she takes a nibble of chicken or sloshes a little water on the floor). Cora even gets to stir the noodles in the pot-carefully-- while Mama supervises. When dinner is finally served, her siblings find out that Cora did all their grown-up tasks, and Cora waits anxiously to see what everyone thinks of her cooking. Dorina Lazo Gilmore's text delightfully captures the warmth between mother and daughter as they share a piece of their Filipino heritage. With bright and charming illustrations by Kristi Valiant, Cora's family comes alive as Cora herself becomes the family's newest little chef.
Cora Cooks Pancit was written by Dorina Lazo Gilmore, illustrated by Kristi Valiant and published by Lee & Low Books.
A young girl in the Philippines uses music to connect with her grandmother as her memory fades in this warm and moving picture book perfect for fans of Pixar’s Coco. There is always singing in Lola’s house. Sammy Davis Jr. in the morning, Dean Martin in the afternoon, and all throughout the evening, old Tagalog love songs from Nora Aunor, Basil Valdez, and more. Lola always says: “If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs.” Her granddaughter tucks these sounds and Lola’s wisdom deep within her heart. And when Lola starts slipping into silence and stillness, she helps Lola hold on, piece by piece, with the joy and music that Lola taught her.
Holding On was written by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Isabel Roxas and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Its scheduled publication date is August 30, 2022.
A silly, laugh-out-loud read-aloud picture book debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz!
Once upon a time, in the middle of a group of seven thousand happy islands named after King Philip of Spain, there lived a lady named Doña Esmeralda.
She had a big bouffant hairdo and was much smaller than you.
And she was always hungry...
And so begins the wickedly hilarious tale of one very old, but very stylish little lady who loves to eat, but can only find the ooey, gooey, mushy, smelly leftovers of naughty children to nosh on. But what happens when Doña Esmeralda finds out about all the tasty treats that children do eat? Hold on to your hairdos as Esmeralda eats everything in sight in a cumulative read-aloud inspired by stories from author Melissa de la Cruz's childhood in the Philippines!
Doña Esmeralda, Who Ate Everything was written by Melissa de la Cruz, illustrated by Primo Gallanosa and published by Orchard Books. Its scheduled publication date is August 16, 2022.
A range of simple stories for new readers, with beautiful colour illustrations.
Mike and his dog Bowow are relaxing in the Chocolate Hills when the ground starts to tremble and the next moment a gaping hole appears. Before Mike can stop him, Bowow jumps into the hole. Then a note floats up…
Party.
Come now.
Just fall up.
There’s no time to wonder what it means – Mike jumps in and falls into the most topsy-turvy of adventures.
A joyous story celebrating the power of unexpected friendships by award-winning author Candy Gourlay, beautifully brought to life with stunning illustrations by Carles Ballesteros.
Mike Falls Up was written by Candy Gourlay, illustrated by Carles Ballesteros and published by Little Tiger Press.
Buko is an interactive children’s book that highlights the Filipino culture through food! The book discovers the many different ways to use the Buko…the Filipino coconut.
Included are:
– Buko Book
– Buko reusable stickers to use inside the book
– Erasable marker to use for activities in the book
Buko was written by Jennifer Estacio and illustrated by Ethel Martinez. It can be ordered on the Flipp Family website.
From the author of Filipino Children's Favorite Stories comes a book for young children that features a Filipino-American boy visiting the Philippines for the very first time. Each watercolor illustration is labeled with English words and their Filipino translations and shows readers both the similarities and differences between Western and Philippine lifestyles. Filipino Friends, perfect for Filipino-American's or those just interested in the culture, is indispensable in bridging the gap between the two cultures.
Following the sweet multicultural children's story, kids will learn about Philippine customs and traditions, including:
Filipino festivals and celebrations
Traditional dress
Snacks and meals
Songs and games
The Filipino language--Tagalog--and more!
Filipino Friends was written by Liana Romulo, illustrated by Corazon Dandan-Albano and published by Tuttle Publishing.
In the Philippines, people love to celebrate--holidays are filled with music and dancing, sometimes with colorful costumes, and always with great food! Rich with detailed watercolors and cultural flavor, Filipino Celebrations: A Treasury of Feasts and Festivals makes major holidays (like Christmas) and family gatherings (like weddings and birthdays) come alive.
From these pages, children will learn the history of each holiday, its cultural influences, the varied ways in which people celebrate in different regions of the Philippines, special customs and food, key words and phrases (in English and Tagalog), and more. Games, songs, and other activities invite young readers to join in the fun. New and familiar holidays take on a special flavor as children learn about the diverse cultures that make up this wonderful island nation. Perfect for Filipino-American families looking to share the unique culture of the Philippines, educators interested in promoting multiculturalism in the classroom, or anyone interested in the country, Filipino Celebrations will encourage children ages five to ten to participate and learn while having fun.
Filipino Celebrations: A Treasury of Feasts and Festivals was written by Liana Romulo, illustrated by Corazon Dandan-Albano and published by Tuttle Publishing.
All About the Philippines takes you on an incredible journey across the colorful island nation of the Philippines with Mary, Jaime, and Ari--three Filipino cousins who look entirely different and yet are the best of friends. You'll visit their homes, their schools, their families, their favorite places, and much more. They'll show you how kids in different parts of the Philippines come from many different ethnic groups and have very various cultures--each with separate traditions, languages, and beliefs--and yet, they are all 100% Filipino!
This children's book, aimed at kids ages 8 to 12, brings them on an exciting trip through some of the most fascinating islands on earth.
Join Mary, Jaime and Ari to see the how earthquakes, typhoons and other natural events can be scary and yet also make the islands beautiful and full of life.
Check out Filipino games, and make a sipa--the Philippines's version of a hacky-sack.
Experience the festivals and foods of different cultures found in the Philippines, and try a few easy recipes.
Make a parol--a Filipino holiday decoration that you can enjoy all year long.
Learn about the conquistadors and traders who came to these islands many centuries ago.
Learn how peoples who speak very different languages can communicate when they meet.
And a lot more!
All About the Philippines: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids was written by Gidget Roceles Jimenez, illustrated by Corazon Dandan-Albano and published by Tuttle Publishing.
Filipino Children's Favorite Stories presents thirteen well-loved myths and tales from the Philippines. These stories will enchant 5 to 10-year-old readers around the world with their wit and charm. Many of the tales have been transmitted from mother to child over centuries, and cover classic childhood themes--such as the forces of good triumphing over evil, children rebelling against evil adults and the weak prevailing over the strong. They make perfect new additions for story time or bedtime reading.
Narrated with an international audience in mind and illustrated with whimsical watercolors by award-winning artist Joanne de Leon, this is a must-have collection of tales for anyone interested in the Philippines or Filipino culture.
Filipino Children’s Favorite Stories was written by Liana Romulo, illustrated by Joanne De Leon and published by Tuttle Publishing.
Mabuhay! Welcome! Come join the celebration!
You can watch a parade of flower-wreathed water buffaloes, listen to the sonorous music of the kulingtang, feast on tropical fruits and flavors, dance the tinikling, or carry a sparkling bamboo lantern in a Christmas procession.There's always something to celebrate, somewhere, in the Philippines. For thousands of years people from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe came here, bringing their ideas, ways, and celebrations. In the Philippines all these people have created their own history, and their own unique stories and customs. Come share some of their special holidays!
Kneeling Carabao & Dancing Giants: Celebrating Filipino Festivals was written by Rena Krasno, illustrated by Ileana C. Lee and published by Pacific View Press.
Food is not just what eat, it is what makes us unique and a people. Some have called it our "edible identity". In our food, we find traces of our past and present history. In the way we eat, we show how we celebrate our family and our community. Because it is so commonplace in our lives we often forget that food is part of our cultural heritage. Find out more about Filipino food and what makes it Filipino.
What Kids Should Know About Filipino Food was written by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, illustrated by Mika Bacani and published by Adarna House.
Also available in this series is What Kids Should Know About Philippine Architecture.
My First Book of Tagalog introduces preschool children to the Tagalog language--also known as Filipino--the national language of the Philippines, which has been influenced by both Spanish and English.
Important everyday words in Filipino culture are presented in a playful and approachable ABC structure that makes learning fun and easy. Studies have shown that kids this age are developing language skills at a rapid rate--learning new words is a snap for them!
The catchy rhymes in this book reinforce learning, and children will be delighted by the charming Filipino kids they meet on each and every page. An introduction to the sounds of Tagalog along with notes on the Filipino language and culture provide a positive learning experience for both youngsters and parents.
My First Book of Tagalog Words was written by Liana Romulo, illustrated by Jaime Laurel and published by Tuttle Publishing.
Learn Tagalog while playing these interactive story games! Storytelling fosters imagination, strengthens communication skills, and deepens one’s cultural understanding. Because storytelling can come in many formats, whether orally, played out through actions, written down with words and/or illustrated with pictures, Flip Your Story can be enjoyed by anyone from ages 4 and up, by kids and adults alike.
The goal of this is to have fun creating all types of tales, whether serious or silly, while learning Tagalog. Don’t worry about fluency. Enjoy using your imagination while increasing your vocabulary.
Ready, set … Flip Your Story!
Flip Your Story: A Series of Taglish Storytelling Games is available for purchase on Fil-Am Learners’ website.
Children typically have no difficulty learning English and adapting to the culture of the country they live in because they are immersed in it. Oh My Kulay will introduce and help children acquire their colors using vegetables and fruits in Tagalog/Filipino - the official language of The Philippines.
Oh My Kulay: Colors, Fruits, and Veggies in Filipino was written by Jocelyn Francisco and illustrated by Jamie Lee Ortiz. Check out the other early concept books by Jocelyn Francisco: Little Yellow Jeepney, Abakada, Pamilya Ko, Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo…Ito Ay Obalo!, Balikbayan Box: Journey to the Philippines, Hay Bahay and The Bitter Melon.
Jack & Agyu tells the story of an imaginative and adventurous young boy, Jack, who longs to find himself in the books that he reads. Crushed when he realizes he is different looking from all his favorite book characters, he goes off to right what he feels is a wrong. His path leads him to trouble but, also, to healing and empowerment as he reconnects with the stories of his ancestors from the Philippines.
Vibrantly illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao with characters based on Filipino mythology- the sirena (mermaid), syokoy (mermen), and diwata (fairies), to name a few- Jack & Agyu is sure to draw kids into an adventure that is exciting as much as it is self-affirming!
Jack & Agyu is written in English and includes a translation in Binukid, one of the indigenous languages in Bukidnon, a region in the south of the Philippines. The book also provides translations into Filipino, the national language of the Philippines, and Bisaya-Cebuano, one of the major languages in the Philippines. Additionally, the book features the Baybayin script, a Tagalog based ancient script.
Jack & Agyu was written by Justine Villanueva, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao and published by Sagawa River Press.
A Chavacano Tale from southern Mindanao.
Amina was born to the Yakan tribe in Basilan, whose family relocated to Zamboanga city because of the war. Missing her hometown, she was encouraged to weave her story as her ancestors did. Amina goes out into the city to find inspiration and discovers the diversity and colors of her new home.
Amina and the City of Flowers was written by Christina Newhard, illustrated by Robbie Bautista and published by Sari-Sari Storybooks.
Kalipay makes an unusual new friend in Gamay, who has a long tongue, bat-wings, and is a devoted vegetarian. This is a story about the power of friendship, play, and what it means to be different. Kalipay has been beset by school bullies who will not leave her alone until Gamay told them to stop. Other children were afraid of Gamay - her strange tongue, split body and bat wings - but Kalipay is fascinated by the things that make her new friend different. Together, they learn how friendship can overcome differences and create happiness for everyone. Translation in Cebuano by Jona Branzuela Bering, with special thanks to Edgar Godin and Haidee Palapar.
Kalipay and the Tiniest Tiktik: A Cebuano Tale was written by Christina Newhard, illustrated by Happy Garaje and published by Sari-Sari Storybooks.
Little Sandangaw might be just a handspan tall, but he wants to do all the things that bigger children can do. If only his family weren't so afraid he'd be blown away, dragged, or stepped on! When the village magic woman tells him to visit the Eagle of Mt. Danglay for help, Sandangaw learns what it takes to grow.
Sandangaw: A Waray Tale was written by Voltaire Q. Oyzon, illustrated by Ray Sunga and published by Sari-Sari Storybooks.
Melo is a painfully shy little boy living with his grandmother and uncle. One day he visits a magical, busy city on the bottom of the ocean, filled with talking sea creatures. Disaster strikes the city, and he must overcome his shyness to help the sea creatures rebuild.
Melo the Umang Boy: An Ivatan Tale was written by Alyssa Sarmiento-Co and Christina Newhard, illustrated by Jaypee Portez and published by Sari-Sari Storybooks.
Mang Andoy the signmaker is given the challenge of a lifetime when the Mayor barges into his workshop one day and complains, “It’s chaos out there! Nobody’s following the rules!” How then can Mang Andoy create signs that would turn their unruly community into law-abiding citizens? The art of persuasion is delightfully unveiled in Paterno’s richly nuanced urban tale brought to street life by Roxas’s zany imagination. Children will be all the wiser to learn that how you ask is just as important as what you ask for.
Mang Andoy’s Signs was written by Mailin Paterno, illustrated by Isabel Roxas and published by Tahanan Books.
This book, written by historian Dawn Bohulano Mabalon with writer Gayle Romasanta, richly illustrated by Andre Sibayan, tells the story of Larry Itliong's lifelong fight for a farmworkers union, and the birth of one of the most significant American social movements of all time, the farmworker's struggle, and its most enduring union, the United Farm Workers. A percentage of proceeds from this book will be donated to the nonprofit organizations Little Manila Rising and the Filipino American National Historical Society.
Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong was written by Dr. Dawn B. Mabalon with Gayle Romasanta, illustrated by Andre Sibayan and published by Bridge + Delta.
Part of the best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, Corazon Aquino tells the inspiring story of the first female president of the Philippines.
Little Cory was a shy, studious child with a great sense of justice. As a young woman and wife, she and her family felt compelled to speak out against the unjust leader who was ruining their country. Showing bravery, reliability and honesty, she led the revolution that ended the dictator's rule and went on to become the president of the Philippines.
The easy to understand and accessible text brings little Cory's story to life, from her earliest years to her passionate fight through repression and personal loss to bring democracy to the Philippines.cora
Corazon Aquino (Little People, Big Dreams) was written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu and published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books. Photo by Michelle Sterling.
This children’s book takes place in the Philippines and follows the life of Gabriela Silang. The book narrates Gabriela’s emergence to becoming a leader for her people after the devastating loss of her husband, Diego Silang.
Gabriela Silang was written by Robin Kitana Aquilizan and Aaron Jurell Sarmiento, illustrated by Tata Ponsi Alfonso and published by Bayani Art.
Lapu Lapu is a children’s book that takes place in the pre colonial Philippines. The story follows the hero, Datu Lapu Lapu and his journey becoming a warrior to protect his tribe from outside invaders.
Lapu Lapu was written by Robin Kitana Aquilizan and Aaron Jurell Sarmiento, illustrated by Tata Ponsi Alfonso and published by Bayani Art.
Andres Bonifacio is a children’s book that takes place in the Philippines. The story follows the hero, Bonifacio and his journey becoming a warrior to protect the sacred lands from the invaders’ cruelty.
Andres Bonifacio was written by Robin Kitana Aquilizan and Aaron Jurell Sarmiento, illustrated by Tata Ponsi Alfonso and published by Bayani Art.
FIERCE FILIPINA tells the story of national hero Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio and her contributions towards the Philippines’ independence. Written by her great-great-granddaughter, this illustrated biography details Gliceria’s unstoppable drive to empower her fellow Filipinos and overthrow both Spanish and American colonists alongside other historical figures like Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Emilio Aguinaldo. A timeless depiction of love, loss and the relentless pursuit of equality, FIERCE FILIPINA will inspire readers of all ages to follow their hearts and fight for social justice.
FIERCE FILIPINA: Inspired by the life of Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio was written by Maxie Villavicencio Pulliam and illustrated by Jill Arteche.
When Cely’s father brings home a crocodile, all she wants to do is draw the strange, fascinating reptile lounging in their family’s swimming pool. Her mother says no. “Women don’t draw or paint,” she tells her daughter.
But Cely has other plans for herself. Undaunted, she takes her notebooks and pencils out to the garden and starts to draw. So begins the extraordinary childhood tale of Araceli Limcaco Dans, one of the most famous painters in the Philippines.
Based on true events, Gabriela Dans Lee’s prize-winning story seamlessly braids art and history as the author recounts her grandmother’s contributions to the wartime efforts of Filipinos during World War II. Adrian Panadero’s luminous illustrations evoke a war-torn era in which Cely discovers that her destiny—as well as her family’s survival—lie in the very art that’s given her new eyes with which to see and reimagine the world around her.
Cely’s Crocodile The Art and Story of Araceli Limcaco Dans was written by Gabriela Dans Lee, illustrated by Adrian Panadero and published by Tahanan Books.
Blue and Josh are working very hard in the kitchen to bake a yummy treat from the Philippines: a bibingka cake! But who does Blue want to share the cake with? Play Blue’s Clues to find out in this storybook about sharing starring all your favorite characters from Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues & You! Kids ages 3 to 7 who love Blue and baking will enjoy this full-color picture book with over 30 stickers plus a bibingka recipe to bake your own cake at home.
Baking with Blue! was written by Cynthia Cherish Malaran, illustrated by Dave Aikins and published by Random House Books for Young Readers. Its scheduled publication date is May 3, 2022.
Amara is a young Filipino-American girl who loves when her big extended family comes over to visit. As their parents prepare a lunch filled with different traditional Filipino dishes, Amara and her pinsans (cousins) want to put on a performance but can't seem to agree on how to entertain Lolo (grandfather) and Lola (grandmother). Should they sing a song or do cartwheels? Choreograph a dance or perform magic tricks? My Pinsans & Me: Amara's Talent Show is a story about family, teamwork and celebrating each other's differences.
My Pinsans & Me was written by Monica Canlas Tuy and Eric Tuy, illustrated by Joseph Canlas and published by BookBaby.