17 Filipino story books children should read

Want to start a story-telling kit?

Research has shown that when kids learn to read at an early age, they’re more likely to succeed, have higher confidence, and get higher grades in school later.

Read: 10 Tips to encourage good reading habits in kids

MindChamps and international early education expert David Chiem also says that you should start reading to your kids around ages four to seven years old to develop good reading habits.

To help you put together stories and books for your kids to read, here are some great story book suggestions.

Click Next to find 17 Filipino story books you should read to your kids

"Ma Me Mi Mumu!" by Jomike Tejido

This story deals with a common fear that kids experience: supernatural beings. But this engaging tale is about friendship, and it even has a quick primer on Philippine mythological creatures. Great for Halloween reading!

You can order this from the Tahanan Books website.

"Sandosenang Sapatos" by Luis P. Gatmaitan, M.D.

OMF Lit’s endearing and heartwarming tale is about a differently-abled girl whose father wishes for so much for her. Little does he know that she gets everything he wants for her in her vivid, inspiring dreams!

This book is available for order on the OMF Literature website.

"The White Shoes" by Grace D. Chong

When a little girl is embarrassed to go to her own graduation because she doesn’t have the required shoes, her mother tries her best to get her what she needs without paying a single cent. This story teaches kids about being resourceful and thankful for what they have.

Available in major bookstores.

"Ulkkk! 'di Ko Malunok ang Tableta" by Luis P. Gatmaitan, M.D.

Does your little one have trouble transitioning from syrups to tablet medicine? The author tries to make medical routines fun, amusing and less scary than kids see them in another great story for your kit.

Available for purchase in most local bookstores.

"Basta, Ayoko pang Matulog!" by Luis P. Gatmaitan, M.D.

If you have trouble getting your children to sleep, perhaps reading them this story will help them realize why sleep is important. The irony of reading it to them before bed may amuse you even more!

You can purchase this in major bookstores.

"The Magic of Apo Mayor" by Grace D. Chong

Repetitive lines are really fun for small children, and this book has quite a catchy phrase for kids who do good deeds. Prepare for your kids to ask you to say, "Es-wes!” just like Apo Mayor whenever they do something nice.

Available for purchase on OMF Literature.

"Ang Mahiwagang Bahag" by Cheeno Mario Saruno

When Abeong is afraid to wear his new bahag to school, his father gives him a special bahag that makes it all worthwhile—and builds Abeong’s confidence in the process. This story teaches kids to be proud of their heritage and to be brave enough to do what they want.

You can grab this at most local bookstores.

"Araw sa Palengke" by May Tobias-Papa

A little girl takes a trip to the market with her mom—something a lot of kids (no matter how young) can relate to! A winner of the National Children’s Book Award in 2012, this comes in English and Filipino.

You can get this book at popular bookstores, order it online from Adarna.

"Bakit Matagal ang Sundo ko?" by Kristine Canon

At some point in their schooling years, your child may feel anxious about being fetched on time. This award-winning story helps kids cope with fear using imagination and a mother’s love.

Available on the Adarna House website and in popular bookstores nationwide.

"Ang Higante sa Aming Bahay" by Rhandee Garlitos

If you or your spouse works overseas for long periods of time, this is essential reading for your little one. It teaches your child that just because you can’t see your parent most of the time, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you.

Grab this book at local booksellers near you.

"Isang Mayang Uhaw" by Virgilio S. Almario

We’ve heard or read this story before—about the sparrow who was thirsty but had to do with the leavings of other larger, thirsty birds. This award-winning adaptation teaches kids that it’s good to be clever and to not be intimidated.

Order it online from Adarna House.

"But that Won't Make me Sleep" by Annie Lumbao

Maya, a precocious little girl who is worried about getting to school on time, practices good sleeping habits with the help of her beloved Nanay

You can get this as a story book, an iOS or Android app or an e-book from various sources online and in store.

"Chenelyn, Chenelyn" by Rhandee Garlitos

Do you want your yaya to stay longer and be part of the family? Teach your little one how to value her yaya or household help with this fun read. For all you know, your child thinks your kasambahay can do everything through magic.

Get this book at local bookstores.

"Naaay! Taaay!" by Kristine Canon

Do you feel like your children can’t stop calling for Mommy and Daddy? This book teaches the whole family about how to do things on your own as long as you are able. Perfect for the youngest of your brood!

You can order this through the Adarna House website or buy from local bookstores.

"Dalawang Bayani ng Bansa" by Rene O. Villanueva

A book about Andres Bonifacio and Dr. Jose Rizal, the two most iconic heroes for any child who goes through Sibika or AP classes in a toddler-friendly way. The book highlights how different the two men are but are heroes all the same.

Available for order on Anak Filipiniana Books

"Ang Pambihirang Sombrero" by Jose Miguel Tejido

This story is about a girl called Mia and her extraordinary hat that has the ability to carry different, everyday and quirky objects on top!

This story teaches kids about community members and is available for purchase in popular bookstores.

Take the kids book shopping!

Print out this article for a full list of books and resources for your little one and go to the bookstore to shop for books with them! They might even ask for a title they especially like among everything available there.

What books are you getting for your kids, mommies and daddies? Let us know in the comments!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dana Santos

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Written by

Danielle Ann Abesames-Santos

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