5th National Children’s Book Awards
Best Reads of 2016-2017
Anvil Publishing, Publisher
Kora Dandan-Albano, Writer
Fran Ng, Translator
Beth Parrocha-Doctolero, Illustrator
Habulan (The Chase) can thrill, can entice, can capture... It can make the heart pound. It can tickle the mind to look if a creature follows closely behind.
“Poetry picture books are always fun for storytelling with their rhythm, rhyme, and catchy lines! This one has enchanting illustrations filled with mystical creatures like the kapre and nuno sa punso.”—Smart Parenting
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Adarna House, Publishers
Weng Cahiles, Writer
Aldy Aguirre, Illustrator
…dreamy watercolor illustrations and a story that weaves a life tapestry of a simple joyous Filipino boy with a bright future ahead of him. The dream is cut short and turns into a nightmare with the senseless murder of Kian.
“Best for teens, this book is about Kian Loyd Delos Santos whose story was widely covered by news reports amid the 2017 war on drugs. Kian was killed by three policemen in Caloocan City in 2017.”—Smart Parenting
Tahanan Books for Young Readers, Publisher
Michelline Suarez, Joonee Garcia, and Divine Reyes, Writers
Benjor Catindig, Illustrator
Nakakaaliw at magaan ang pagkabuo ng aklat... Kasaysayang nailahad para sa kabataan.
Who doesn’t love a good story? That’s what HIS-story means — the story of us! Our prehistoric lolos and lolas were cool, interesting, and clever folks. Meet them and our country’s first families up close in this fascinating book about how our islands were formed, how our earliest ancestors lived, and the beginnings of our nation.
Tahanan Books for Young Readers, Publisher
Auri Asuncion Yambao, Writer and Illustrator
Everything about this book is fun—exactly how great children's books are supposed to be.
Welcome to a playground of words where sound makes sense.
The Filipino language has many onomatopoeic words, each carrying a sound that describes its meaning. Inside these pages you will find THIRTY-NINE ILLUSTRATED VERBS that say what they mean. Auri Asuncion Yambao’s brilliant graphics make Filipino words so easy for children to learn and remember.
Adarna House and Anino Comics, Publishers
Lizette Daluz, Writer and Illustrator
Hari ng Komyut puts into the spotlight the trials and challenges Filipinos encounter in our public transport system in a way that is lighthearted and comic—but still drives a serious point. Masterfully executed, these comics strips shed light on the comedy of everyday commuting tragedies and the tragedy of everyday commuting comedies; reminding us that there is always hope at the next train.”
Adarna House and Anino Comics, Publishers
Rob Cham, Writer and Illustrator
For a wordless comic book to be good, the artist has to maintain the balance between what information is given and what is kept hidden for the reader to interpret on their own. Lost has found that balance.
”The story follows an adventurer on a quest to find a mysterious treasure. But there is no text, only illustrations with surprising bursts of color. Intrigued? It is recommended for children ages 7 and up.”—Smart Parenting
Vibal Publishing House, Publisher
Genaro Gojo Cruz, Writer
Paul Imbong, Illustrator
Here is a book that strikes a good balance between simple, colorfull illustrations and accurate, interesting use of language that, together, is able to appeal to its target audience and sustain their attention from start to finish.
”Imagine a house on wheels. The hero in this story has one, but it's probably not what you're picturing. “Wala itong malaking haligi at mataas na bubong. Wala rin itong bintana at pinto na kailangan isara kapag kami ay natutulog,” the story reads. Can you guess what it is?”—Smart Parenting
Adarna House and Anino Comics, Publishers
Bong Redilla, Writer and Illustrator
Isinabuhay ang nagdaang panahon sa mundo ng kabataan sa probinsya ng Pangasinan gamit ang malikhaing dibuho, at paglalahad. Nakakaantig ng damdamin ngunit nakakatuwa.
”A collection of short comics, this book, with its beautifully drawn pages, is filled with wonder and magic. Your teen (recommended for ages 13 and up) will find flying trains, genies, dancing robots, and much more.”—Smart Parenting
Adarna House, Publisher
Edgar Calabia Samar, Writer
Borg Sinaban, Illustrator
Para sa matagumpay na panulat na pangkabataang nobela at disenyong panlibro na nakakapanghimok ng malikhaing pagbabasang malinaw na tumatahak sa kwento ng pakikipagsapalaran at paghahanap sa sarili ng tauhan—halaw sa mitolohiya at urban lore, gamit ang kontemporaryong wika at mga sandali—at mapanlarong pagsasanib ng sulat, komiks at chat sa texto na nakakapanghikayat ng malawig na gamit sa imahinasyon at diwa, at lamlamin ang pagbabasa bilang pang-araw-araw na aktibidad at pangangailangan ng isip at katawan...
”This is the third fantasy book in the Janus Silang series about a teenager on a quest to solve the mystery behind the disappearances of players of a PC game. If you have a teen age 14 and up, this series filled with Philippine folklore will make a great read that's written in Filipino.”—Smart Parenting
