10 bedtime stories with morals that help teach Filipino!

Being bilingual allows children to develop socialization skills, exercise their brain, and become better at processing information! So yes, speaking two (or more) languages is beneficial to children which is why it is important to start teaching them as early as now.

1. "Si Berting, Ang Batang Uling" by Christopher S. Rosales (P74.75)

Winner of the 2014 Filipino Readers' Choice Award Nominee for Children's Picture Book, "Si Berting, Ang Batang Uling" touches on the topic of discrimination based on appearance.

In the town of Sutla, young Berting finds himself the subject of ridicule because of his dark skin. Little do the townspeople know that he might be the only one who can save them from imminent danger.

2. "The Magic Bahag" by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno (P74.75)

This story is about a young boy named Abeong who just moved to a new place with his family. School starts soon but he isn’t sure if she should wear his bahag out of fear of being ridiculed. To help, Abeong's father decides to give him a special bahag—one with magical powers!

3. "Juan Tamad" by Rene Villanueva (P74.75)

This book teaches kids about laziness.

Juan not only refuses to do housework but would also rather lie under a tree all day. He even leaves his mouth open in the hopes of catching a falling fruit.

4. "Ano'ng Gupit Natin Ngayon" by Russell Molina (P79.00)

Whether you like short or long hair, a soldier's cut or rooster's comb, there are many hairstyles to choose from. So why won't Eboy's coconut-shaped hair change?

5. "Ang Pambihirang Buhok" ni Raquel by Luis P. Gatmaitan (P79.00)

Raquel is a young girl who is envied by many because of her long, colorful hair—it is red, yellow, and blue! But as beautiful as it is, her hair holds a very sad secret.

6. "Ang Itim na Kuting" by Natasha Vizacarra (P79.00)

Ignacia is a black kitten that no one wants to play with. Everyone shoos her away, except for one girl who decides to be her friend.

This is a beautiful story about tolerance and acceptance.

7. "The Legend of the Rainbow" by Rene O. Villanueva (P74.75)

If your child asks about where rainbows comes from, then this is a great place to start looking for answers.

The book has beautiful mosaic illustrations, and it is based on the retelling of a popular Igorot folktale. This makes it a great way to practice the Filipino language while learning more about our culture.

8. "The Girl Who Always Looked At People's Shoes" by Liwliwa N. Malabed (P74.75)

Daniw is a young girl who always looks at other people's shoes. So much so that she doesn’t make eye contact with their owner and, in turn, fails to see what is going on around her. How does she eventually overcome this so she can finally appreciate everything beautiful around her?

9. "Half and Half" by Grace D. Chong (P70.00)

6-year-old Mateo is a bright and obedient student which is why Teacher Ligaya has never really had a problem with him —until now. When Mateo is asked to draw fruits in class, he submits pictures of half a fruit. The reason he does this is heartwarming.

10. "Muling Magbabalik ang Perya" by Eugene Y. Evasco (P74.75)

During summer, Bruno looks forward going to his grandfather’s province. And the activity that excites him the most is going to the fair. This time around, though, his grandfather won’t be around to take him. Will he still be able to go?

10 bedtime stories with morals that help teach Filipino!

For more bilingual books that encourage your child to read and speak in Filipino and English, head on over to National Bookstore for a wide selection of titles. To find a National Bookstore near you, click here.

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Written by

Raisa Tan

readingbooksbilingualbedtime stories with moralsEnglish