9th National Children’s Book Awards
Best Reads 2024-2025
Sayaw ng mga Ilaw
Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Inc., Publisher
Cheeno Marlo Sayuno, Writer
Aaron Asis, Illustrator
Published 2024
Sayaw ng mga Ilaw portrays the lives of those who were left behind by a nearly-forgotten tragic event during the dark days of Martial Law — their suffering, courage, hope, and quiet resolve to keep going. This book does not shield young readers from difficult realities; instead, it lets them sit with loss, uncertainty, waiting, wondering, and grief, through the innocent eyes of a child who does not yet fully grasp what has happened. Sayaw ng mga Ilaw reminds us that history is never just about events — it is about families who grieve, children who wait, and people who choose courage in the face of uncertainty. Through this deeply human lens, the book helps keep a vital piece of our history alive for a new generation.
Ang Munting Rinosero
Ilaw ng Tahanan, Publisher
Candy Gourlay, Writer
Jamie Bauza, Illustrator
Divine Gil-Reyes, Translator
Published 2025
Ang Munting Rinosero is a luminous celebration of the quiet magic of nature, unexpected friendship, and the strength of community. Through Maya’s encounter with a lost baby rhino, radiant watercolor spreads and gentle storytelling demonstrate that caring for the earth and nurturing a community go hand in hand. An irresistible picture book that proves the biggest transformations begin with small, joyful acts right at home.
Ode to a Young Reader
Center For Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS), Publisher
Gigo Alampay, Writer
Illustrators: Marcel Antonio, Mark Arcamo, Jojo Barja, Jeho Bitancor, Elmer Borlongan, Benedicto Cabrera, Michael Cacnio, June Digan, Liza Flores, Emmanuel Garibay, Sarah Geneblazo, Renato Habulan, Johanna Helmuth, Jon Jaylo, Mark Justiniani, Dante Lerma, Joy Mallari, Lui Manaig, Roel Obemio, Jim Orencio, J Pacena, Don Salubayba, Mark Jeffrey Santos, Studio 1616, CJ Tanedo, Daniel Tayona, Mimi Tecson, Liv Vinluan, Christopher Yap
Published 2025
Ode to a Young Reader carries the wish that grownups desire for every child—to be lost in the world of books and discover worlds undreamt of. That books can be faithful and comforting companions, that books empower and entertain, that books offer untold wonders. All these the book conveys, rendered more convincingly with the impressionable artworks that leave enduring impressions. The book’s excellent physical look makes it truly an exceptional gift to the young reader.
Kids’ Choice Awards
ChatGPT and the Adventure in the A.I. Wonderland
Published by Johnny and Hansel Publications, Opc. (2025)
Ai Lopez and EJ Uy
Excuse Me Po!
Published by Adarna House, Inc. (2025)
Cheeno Marlo Sayuno and Cyrill Acuña
I am Protected! (Ako ay Ligtas!)
Published by Lampara Publishing House, Inc. (2025)
Michellan Sarile-Alagao and Kim Alexis Santiago
Kutkot Kulangot
Published by Adarna House, Inc. (2025)
Cheeno Marlo Sayuno and Isa Natividad-Somera
Life
Published by Adarna House, Inc. (2025)
Rob Cham
Like the Old Summer Days (Gaya Noong mga Araw ng Bakasyon)
Published by Johnny and Hansel Publications, Opc. (2024)
Mark Norman Boquiren and Rhea Kristine U. Elnar
Linis Tayo!
Published by Adarna House, Inc. (2025)
Cheeno Marlo Sayuno and Cyrill Acuña
Shapes and Orange’s
Published by Wildred Publishing (2025)
King Medina and Sheryl Garcia
Robot Versus Dinosaur
Published by Ilaw Ng Tahanan Publishing Inc. (2024)
Jomike Tejido
