At the 4th National Children’s Book Awards, 5 Adarna House books were named Best Reads for Kids and 3 titles were included in the Kids’ Choice Award Finalists.
Held every 2 years and organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), the National Children’s Book Awards give honor to the best publications for children and young adults. This year’s ceremonies were held on the 33rd National Children’s Book Day, July 19, 2016 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines lobby. There, the following books received the corresponding awards and citations:
Dumaan si Butiki, Best Read for Kids
Written by Mary Gigi Constantino, illustrated by Ray Sunga
Sino ang mag-aakala na eksayting ang paglalakbay ng isang butiki? Sobrang nakakaaliw ang pagsulpot-sulpot kung saan-saang bahagi ng bahay ng butiki sa kuwento. Ang simpleng teksto ay nagamit pa upang ituro ang konsepto ng kabaliktaran, sa paraang kaaya-aya. Kung kaya, hindi ka magsasawa sa pagsubaybay sa lahat ng dinaanan ni Butiki. —Kristine Canon
Haluhalo, Best Read for Kids
Illustrated by Eli F. Camacho
Ang aklat na ito ay kumpleto sa sangkap, puwera lang sa salita. Marami itong iba’t ibang kulay, siksik sa tamis, at umaapaw sa aliw. Kung sa bagay, ano pa ba ang kailangang sabihin kung kitang-kita naman at madali maintindihan ng bata man o matanda ang paggawa at pagkain ng haluhalo? Haaay! Ang sarap ulit-ulitin ng pagbabasa sa nalikhang aklat ni Eli F. Camacho na Haluhalo. —Kristine Canon
Marvino’s League of Superheroes, Kids’ Choice Finalist
Written by Rae Rival-Cosico, illustrated by Jamie Bauza
This is a nice story about Marvino going to a museum, but he doesn’t have the money for it. But then he befriends the one who owns the museum, but he doesn’t know it. What I like about this is that, if you see a good sculpting, you can draw it, just like how Marvino did. —Horacio Rafael de Peralta
Nawawala si Muningning, Kids’ Choice Finalist
Written by Michael M. Coroza, illustrated by Tokwa Peñaflorida
This book was chosen to be in the top 9 because it was very accurate in showing how cat owners feel when their cats are missing and how they imagined what happened to their cats while they were missing. It was also very relatable, like how cat owners can relate to how the boy felt when his cat was missing and how it frightened him so much. —Pheonna Heart Ragasa
Salusalo para kay Kuya, Best Read for Kids
Written by Ergoe Tinio, illustrated by JC Galag
Masarap maging bahagi ng pamilyang Pilipino. Malaki, maingay pero masaya. Para bang ibinalik ako sa pagkabata ng Salusalo para kay Kuya. Naalala ko noong bata pa ako, kapag kaarawan ko na ay sabik na sabik akong gumising nang maaga para buksan ang aking mga regalo. Ramdam mo rin ang pagmamahal ng isang kapamilya sa kaanak sa kuwento. Sa bawat pahina ng kuwento, nangungusap ang mga mapinpintog na pisngi ng mga tauhan, abala sa isang salusalo, pero masaya pa rin ang lahat. Ipinapaalaala na dapat tayong maging katulad ni Bubuy Boy, na umiiyak ng bahaghari, na kahit na parang may iniwan na malaking butas ang ating kaanak kapag sila ay pumanaw na, kailangan tayong maging malakas at puno ng pag-asa at sariwain ang mga inspirasyong iniwan nila.
Salamat Ergoe Tinio, JC Galag, at Adarna House sa mahusay na kuwento! —Troy Lacsamana
Salusalo para kay Kuya, Kids’ Choice Finalist
Written by Ergoe Tinio, illustrated by JC Galag
It taught me that no matter what happens, we should continue our life by keeping and treasuring the good and happy memories of our loved ones, because everything happens for a reason.
We also need to be strong to make our dreams come true by making our loved ones the reason why we remain strong. It’s good for children because of its illustration that can get the children’s interest, and simple words make the story great. —Apriel Beltran
Supremo, Best Read for Kids
Written by Xi Zuq, illustrated by Al Estrella
Supremo is an engaging read. This heartwarming story takes you back to the good old days when you felt lucky to have a best friend and you felt tingled upon seeing your crush. Its flowing language, realistic plot, and catchy illustrations come together to give you one unforgettable ride. It makes you laugh out loud; it makes you stop and think; it even manages to make you shed tears. And, just when you start thinking you’ve had it all, it reminds you of your social responsibility―without pushing it down your throat forcibly. Kids will love this, and adults will enjoy it, too. Supreme, indeed! —Portia Padilla
Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon, Best Read for Kids
Written by Edgar Calabia Samar
Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is a captivating tale of a young boy’s courage amidst the enveloping darkness in his life. Edgar Calabia Samar pulls us into a world of mysterious events and frightening characters from Philippine folklore. He expertly weaves in elements from role-playing video games, a concept that connects with young readers (and to gamers of all ages). This book takes us on a rollercoaster ride full of adventure, suspense, and danger.
Finally, a hero like Janus Silang claims his space in our imagination. He rises above the challenges and gives hope―a bright star leading us out of the darkness. —Dan Matutina
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