The Best Children's Books of 2013

Time to wrap-up this awesome and productive year in Filipino children's literature.

I came up with my personal list of top children's books in terms of smashing illustrations and pioneering contribution to local kidlit illustration. Of course, these are subjective picks but I'll try my best to be objective in pointing out their hits.

It's difficult trimming down my list because there's so many quality books produced this year! I based my list from this year's "harvest of children's books" presented at the 30th National Children's Book Day.

Some of my personal criteria for cut-off are: insightful illustration; creative use of technique, style, and media; intriguing cover; effective design and layout; memorable characters.

In random order, these are my...

13 Best Illustrated Filipino Children's Picture Storybooks of 2013:

Pilandokomiks Issue no. 2: Mga Pagsubok ng Karagatan

Illustrations and story by Borg Sinaban

Based on the original Pilandok character by Kora Dandan Albano

Published by Adarna House

I once attempted to create one and making comics is no joke! And to sustain that with a sequel is phenomenal. Pilandok in a comic format is refreshing to have in a sea of picture storybooks. This full color comics is hip and young, like a deer prancing on every page. Perhaps more boys will read books now.

Mantsa

Illustrations by Jason Sto. Domingo

Story by Augie Rivera

Published by Adarna House and Plan

Mantsa is directly translated as stain, or figuratively, a scar or stigma. First glance of the cover, you already know what the book's about. The "clownish" figures of the illustrations strongly connote the overall theme, like hiding a deeper issue with exaggerated makeup.

Ang Tatlong Bubwit at Ang Bangkang Marikit

Illustrations by Ghani Madueño

Story by Will P. Ortiz

Published by Lampara Books

All I know is that I want to squirm with glee whenever I see the illustrations from the book! The vibrant color scheme, clean style, warm and fuzzy characters simply spell h-a-p-p-i-n-e-s-s. 

Muling Magbabalik ang Perya

Illustrations by Jonathan Rañola

Story by Eugene Y. Evasco

Published by Lampara Books

You can almost feel the painstaking process of the illustrator's pointillist technique in this book. The illustration is passion and craftsmanship made visible. Traditional techniques really embody the artist's energy and this book exemplifies that transmission.

Ang Pamana ni Andres Bonifacio

Research by Emmanuel Encarnacion

Photography by Jinggo Montenejo

Design by Eli Camacho

Published by Adarna House

I just love ephemera, that's all. But seriously, this book contains lots of objects, images, and articles related to the Filipino hero and the Katipunan I have never seen before! These things tell stories themselves, evoking inspiring messages. 

My Daddy! My One and Only!
Illustrations by Jomike Tejido
Story by Zarah Gagatiga
Published by Lampara Books

This is a delightful, well-designed book from cover to cover. The anthropomorphism used in the illustration is very relevant in establishing the essential theme of the book which is about appreciating individuality among diversity.

God of Fire, God of Rain

Illustrations by Jason Moss

Retold by Yna Reyes

Published by Hiyas, OMF Literature

The toy-like figures in the illustration make you wondering as you flip the pages. Why was the story illustrated that way? You might even think this is too avant-garde for a biblical passage! Until, the last page makes sense of it all. What a surprise! The illustrator presented a unique way of visual storytelling of an age-old story.

Ma, Me, Mi, Mumu!

Illustrations and story by Jomike Tejido

Published by Tahanan Books

Another beautiful book with design taken into consideration. The cover is so elegant and enhanced with printing effects: matte finish with spot gloss varnish. The characters are also charming. But what's special about this book is how balanced the illustrations are. It's about dark and scary mythical creatures and yet somehow it still looks enchanting. 

Sandwich to the Moon

Illustrations and story by Jamie Bauza

Published by LG&M

The universal appeal of the illustrations is the charm of this book. The illustrations are as crazy and tasty as the premise of the book, extraordinary work comes from silly ideas. This is one of the few books that incorporates text seamlessly in the illustration itself. 

The Girl Who Always Looked at People's Shoes

Illustrations by Beth Parrocha Doctolero

Story by Liwliwa Malabed

Published by Lampara Books

The beauty of the illustrations in this book lies in its prominent characterization. The expressions, costume, and styling of the characters are striking. The whimsical illustrations rendered harmoniously in a range of media indicates that the illustrator is a master of color. 

But That Won't Make Me Sleep

Illustrations by Liza Flores

Story by Annie Pacaña-Lumbao

Published by Adarna House

A sequel from But That Won't Wake Me Up, this book is charming the second time around. Since the illustrations are three-dimensional, they seem to jump off the page as if enticing kids to play with them. Also, the illustrations in this book are more action-oriented, thus giving a sense of animation.  

The Little Girl in a Box
Illustrations by Aldy Aguirre
Story by Felinda Bagas
Published by Adarna House

At last, design is seriously considered in the overall impact of a children's book. This is the first book ever, afaik, that played so much on its physical format. This long overdue is simply because of economic factors. But risking production cost over a brilliant visual design certainly pushed the envelope in local traditional children's book publishing. It doesn't stop there, the minimal and clean illustrations worked well together with the story and the design itself. Outstanding!

Hating Kapatid
Illustrations by Frances Alvarez
Story by Raissa Rivera Falgui
Published by Adarna House

The clever personification, delectable visual treatment, great use of space and layout blended well in the composition of the illustrations, what more can I say but sweetness!

Have a blessed 2014!

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