A collection of thirteen myths and legends of the Philippines concerning mosquitoes, giants, the wind and the rain, and the goddess Alunsina, along with other traditional tales - (Baker & Taylor)

This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents Philippine fairy tales and other folk stories—providing insight into a rich storytelling culture.

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.

Featured Filipino stories include:

• Why Mosquitoes Buzz Around Our Ears: the story of an unforgiving crab king who finally meets his match
• The Prince's Bride: a timeless tale that proves there's more to people than meets the eye
• The Deer and the Snail: the story of a race, an arrogant deer and some very clever snail friends

Liana Romulo was born in the Philippines and is the proprietor of R&G Publications, a custom-publishing firm based in Manila. She is also a writer and editor specializing in juvenile and young-adult fiction. Romulo has also worked as an editor and managing editor for a leading publisher of children's mass-market fiction.

Illustrator:
Joanne De Leon is an award-winning illustrator who received her B.F.A. from University of Philippines. She currently works as a freelance book illustrator and graphic designer. Her illustrations have appeared in many children's books, including The Termite Queen and Other Classic Philippine Earth Tales and Tiger on the Wall. - (Perseus Publishing)

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 2–6—Thirteen tales explain phenomena (why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears; why rain ends wind; how the Philippines arose), endorse values (teamwork, marital loyalty), and support ethics (good vanquishes evil). The retellings are wordy. Some depict violent retribution and bad behavior: a malevolent giant is tortured by his victims; a goddess is lazy, vain, jealous, untruthful, and disloyal. In a "Hansel and Gretel" variant, a father abandons his new stepfamily when his older kids complain of unfair treatment. In another tale, the creator banishes his adolescent flower-goddess daughter for missing an unannounced meeting. One story features a gossiping man who is turned into a rooster. Lively line-and-color paintings are rendered in a naive style (a particular art aesthetic) but are realistic. Cultural details (dress, architecture, flora and fauna) are set against flat backgrounds. VERDICT There is a dearth of children's material from the Philippines. This book's vivid artwork is attractive, but the illustrations alone might not be enough to encourage young children to read or listen through the entirety of the lengthy tales.—Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly of St. George's School, Newport, RI