October is Filipino American History Month~ and as usual, I’m celebrating by sharing children’s books and read aloud stories with Filipino representation. As I am half Filipina myself, I am always on the lookout for children’s books with Filipino representation to share with Mai Little Love. I was excited this year to see several new Filipino titles that I’ve added to the curated collection below. It is mai goal to be able to read aloud stories that serve as mirrors for Toddler, and I was able to curate this collection of children’s books featuring Filipino/a authors and illustrators, characters, historical figures, and cultural traditions. There are some new, recently published gems in this collection, so check them out below!

But before we get to the books, I would also like to highlight a few publishers who amplify Filipino stories and experiences!

Publishers Highlighting Filipino Stories

Tuttle Publishing is a premier publisher of Asian inspired Books, Gifts, and Craft Kits. Their collections of folk tales and traditional stories from different Asian countries are my favorites, and they have a generous selection of Filipino children’s books, as well as language learning books, Filipino cook books, and activity books. They are also the publisher of one of my favorite Filipino reads: Pan De Sal Saves the Day!

Tahanan Books aims to nurture a passion for learning with books that celebrate Philippine culture and history. Tahanan is the Filipino word for “home.” They are dedicated to publishing Filipino kid lit, including biographies of Philippine heroes, folk tale and short story anthologies, reference and science books, bilingual & Filipino picture books, and even a line of Pinoy pop culture books. Finding Filipino biography books for kids is quite hard but they have an incredible Great Lives Series featuring nine significant Filipino figures in history for upper elementary/ older little learners.

Plus, Use my DISCOUNT CODE “MAISTORYBOOKLIBRARY* for 15% OFF your order on any Tahanan Books the whole month of October

The goal of Bayani Art is to strengthen the unity within the Filipino community by telling the rich history of their Motherland. Bayani Art is independent owned, born in Tondo Manila, Philippines and raised in Oakland, California. Humbled by the strong values that were taught by their elders, they remain conscious to our responsibility to carry on our culture. They have a beautiful selection of apparel and merchandise sharing Filipino art and history, and have started an incredible line of children’s book biographies featuring inspirational Filipino figures.  As I mentioned, finding Filipino children’s book biographies is rare, and these books are vibrantly illustrated and perfect for little learners!

Now, onto the books!

Click here or the image below to browse the full collection to add to your shelves.

Children’s Books

Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling // Celebrate the special connection between father and daughter in this gorgeously evocative picture book, recounting the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines.

Sari Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao // 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.

Dancing the Tinikling by Bobbie Peyton, Illustrated by Diobelle Cerna // Lola invites Jojo to dance the tinikling with her but he trips while trying. Lola dances effortlessly between the bamboo poles, representing their American and Filipino cultures. With Lola’s encouragement, Jojo finally masters the dance and discovers the joy of connecting with his heritage.

Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language by Joanna Que & Charina Marquez, Illustrated by Fran Alvarez // Sam is curious about her new neighbors’ hand movements and learns that they are communicating through Filipino Sign Language. With the help of her new friend Mai, Sam learns some signs and makes a new best friend.

Lolo’s Sari Sari Store by Sophia N. Lee // After moving to America, a young girl misses her summers helping her grandfather, Lolo, at his sari-sari store. However, despite being far from the Philippines, she cherishes her memories of Lolo and his store, and uses his teachings to find opportunities for building connections and community in her new home.

Holding On by Sophia N. Lee, Illustrated by Isabel Roxas // As her Lola’s memory begins to fade, a young girl in the Philippines uses music to connect with her grandmother.

When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling // For one young girl, summer doesn’t start until her Lola, her grandmother from the Philippines, arrives for her annual visit. This book is brimming with Filipino culture and the most evocative sensory writing as we hear, smell, and taste the wonderful traditions Lola brings along with her every summer.

Hand Over Hand by Alma Fullerton // Lolo tells Nina a girl doesn’t belong on a boat, but Nina convinces her grandpa to let her come on the fishing trip. Lolo shows Nina how to fish, and Nina pulls in the biggest catch of the day!

Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore // Cora and her Mama share their Filipino heritage in the kitchen, coming together to cook a delicious dish of panic. Includes a panic recipe in the back!

Kalipay and the Tiniest Tiktik by Christina Newhard // Daydreaming comes easily to Kalipay, but she doesn’t know how to make bullies leave her alone. One day, she makes an unusual new friend in Gamay, who tells the school bully, Juan, to stop teasing Kalipay. Other children are 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.

A New Pair of Wings by Nancy Wang & Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo // A tale of immigration: Young Delores finds resolve between East and West, through courage, imagination, and a little bit of myth to discover her “new pair of wings”. 

Riley the Raccoon Goes to the Philippines by Jasmine Arellano Montreuil // Join Riley the Raccoon as she packs her bags and heads on a trip to the Philippines where she’ll learn form her friends about cultural traditions, such as the Filipino tradition of pasalubong, and common Tagalog words and expressions.

Pan De Sal Saves the Day + Activity Book by Norma Olizon-Chikiamco // A heart-warming story of a young Filipino girl, named Pan De Sal, who builds self-confidence after spending a day with her classmates. Filled with Filipino cultural references to food, games, and music. Plus, check out the fun new activity book filled with Filipino songs, games, and puzzles inspired by the book!

Filipino Celebrations by Liana Romulo // 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. Includes games, songs, and other activities for littles to join in on the festive fun!

All About the Philippines: Stories, Songs, Crafts, and Games for Kids by Gidget Roceles Jimenez // Join three cousins, Mary, Jaime, and Ari, as they journey across the Philippines. Visit their homes, school , favorite places, their families, and more! Learn about different ethnic groups and different cultures, languages, and traditions in the Philippines.

Filipino Children’s Favorite Stories by Liana Romulo // This is a collection of thirteen well-loved myths and tales from the Philippine with themes such as such as the forces of good triumphing over evil, children rebelling against evil adults, and the weak prevailing over the strong.

Ang Mahabang Sampayan ni Nanay by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz // A bilingual ABC book: All the clothes are washed. Now what will Andres find hanging on Mama’s long clothesline? In this clever accordion book, join Andres as he discovers a laundry line of the Filipino alphabet! 

Maria Orosa: Freedom Fighter, Scientist, and Inventor from the Philippines by Norma Olizon-Chikiamco // This biography children’s book chronicles the remarkable journey of Maria Orosa, a trailblazing female scientist. After her studies in food science in the United States, she returned to a war-ravaged Philippines, where she ingeniously developed highly nutritious food solutions to aid her nation during a period of dire need.

Gabriela Silang by Robin Aquilizan & Tata Ponsi Alfonso (Bayani Art) // Filipino children’s book biographies are rare, so I appreciate this vibrantly illustrated book geared towards little learners. 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. A coloring book is also available

Lapu Lapu by Robin Aquilizan & Tata Ponsi Alfonso (Bayani Art) // Another stunning Filipino biography for children with bright full spread illustrations. 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. A coloring book is also available.

The Great Lives // A set of 10 biography books featuring important Filipino figures in history. It is quite hard to find Filipino biographies for kids, so I love that this set is available to share this history! It includes figures such as Antonio Luna, Emilio Aguinaldo, Gabriela Silang, Teodora Alonso, and more! Recommend for older readers/ upper elementary as they are text heavy with a few pages of photographs.

Filipino Language Books for Kids

Ay Naku! by Reni Roxas // Ay Naku! is a common Filipino expresson used to convey disappointment, exasperation , or surprised dismay. A little boy’s clumsiness frustrates his family in this bilingual book for little learners. With only a word or two per page, this book is a great way to learn basic vocabulary in Tagalog.

MÉME: The Baby Book by Reni Roxas //A sweet bilingual, bedtime book that chronicles a single day in the life of a baby. Méme is a well-worn word passed from parent to child for generations of Filipinos. To this day, there are families who practice this time-honored tradition, when whispering “méme” to an infant meant to give him the best gift of all—the gift of sleep. 

Filipino Friends by Liana Romulo // A young Filipino-American boy visits the Philippines for the very first time. Each illustration is labeled with English words and their Filipino translations and shows readers both the similarities and differences between Western and Philippine lifestyles.

Sari – Sari: A Book of Double Words by Auri Asuncion Yambao //  In Filipino, we repeat words or portions of words to mimic sound, emphasize, intensify, disburse, fasten ideas together, and celebrate plurality. for a wild, circuitous ride—palibot-libot style—through the Filipino language.

Saya Saya: A Book of Homonyms by Auri Asuncion Yambao // Homonyms are words which sound alike or are spelled alike, but have different meanings. In this book Auri Asuncion Yambao unpacks 40 meanings behind 20 words in clever and unexpected ways. Lively illustrations capture little learner’s attention in this fun way to learn the language!

TAKBO! Illustrated by Auri Asuncion Yambao // The Filipino language has many onomatopoeic words, each carrying a sound that describes its meaning. Inside these pages you will find THIRTY-NINE ILLUSTRATED VERBS that say what they mean.

500 Words and Pictures: My First Bilingual Visual Dictionary by Fran Ng // This book introduces the young to primary language skills in English and Filipino. From parts of the body to games that children play, this book contains no less than 500 images familiar to the Filipino child.

Filipino Folk Song Books

Kaisa-Isa Niyan: A Maguindanaon Folk Song Illustrated by Fran Alvarez //  This Maguindanaon counting song, “Kaisa-isa Niyan,” teaches children simple rhythms that can be played on the kulintang ensemble. The bilingual lyrics are sweetly illustrated, and the book includes sheet music and background info on what a kulintang ensemble is.

Pakitong-Kitong: A Cebuano Folk Song Illustrated by Harry Monzon // How hard is it to catch a river crab? Harry Monzon interprets the well-loved children’s song, “Pakitong-kitong” as a journey on a fishing boat navigating through the river while trying to catch the little creatures living in the lush mangrove forests of Cebu. Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring the song to life, and sheet music is included in the back.

Pagtulog na Nene: A Hiligaynon Lullaby illustrated by Hermes Alegre // “Pagtulog na, Nene” is a gentle lullaby from the Hiligaynon-speaking people of Panay Island in western Visayas, Philippines. The name “Nene” is a term of endearment for a female child or a young woman in the Visayas, and even in Luzon. Today, the song is frequently rendered in arranged choral style because of its sweet melody and flowing rhythm. Littles will enjoy the vivid countryside landscapes that illustrate the song.

Bahay Kubo illustrated by Hermes Alegre // A gorgeous picture book detailing the images evoked in this best-known and loved of Filipino folk songs.

Ed-Eddoy: An Ifugao Folk Song Illustrated by Kora Dandan Albano // Sang in the language of Kiangan Tuwali, “Ed-Eddoy” is a tribute to the blessings of abundance showered on the Ifugao people. Rich illustrations showcase in detail the rich traditions of living in the rice terraces.

BONUS Rec for Foodies!

And if you are a Filipino Foodie, you must check out this cookbook:

Pulutan! Filipino Bar Bites, Appetizers, and Street Eats by Marvin Gapultos // So, I had to throw a cookbook in the mix because this book has the most deliciously delectable recipes for Filipino Finger Foods~ and food is always the perfect way to celebrate any occasion! Learn how to eat and drink like a Filipino with a range of easy to follow Pulutan recipes that use ingredients readily found in any supermarket or Asian grocery store. Over 60 recipes include: Grilled Coconut and Lemongrass Shrimp, Raw Oysters with Green Mango Mignonette, Fried Calamari with Crispy Purple Yam Crust, and more!

Interactive Read Alouds

Read along with MaiStoryBook YouTube for interactive, shared-reading read aloud adventures where I ask questions throughout the story, point out main themes and ideas, and introduce vocabulary to keep little learns engaged and participating throughout the story. Below are two favorites!

Click here to read along with MaiStoryBook’s Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Playlist, or click on the image-link below to read along to the individual titles.

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I hope you found some reading recommendations to add to your own shelves and share with your littles. Please comment below and share any other Filipino Titles  to add to this themed collection.

*~Also, I’d love to  see and hear about your own reading adventures you are having to share inclusive and diverse experiences and stories with your children, so please share your story times below in the comments. Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary or FaceBook , find me on TikTok, or contact me via email . I’d love to hear from you!~*

Plus, checkout out MaiStoryBook’s Interactive Read Aloud Video Playlist of Diverse Reads here.

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*

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