MINDBUILDERS RECOMMENDS

BOOKS

CHIKA CHIKA BOOM BOOM

Written by Bill Martin and Lois Elhert, Illustrated by John Archambault

In paperback and hardcover.

Ages: Preschool and up

• Amy Pelina, a parent, says: "This book about the letter A who entices the entire alphabet to climb the coconut tree is upbeat and melodious.  My 3-year old daughter, Trinity, received this as an early Christmas gift.  At first I was not sure if she would like it, but contrary to what I thought, Trinity loved it!  Just as much as I enjoyed reading it to her, she truly enjoyed listening to the rhymes, and she kept giggling about how the whole alphabet falls from the coconut tree!  It's a delight listening to her reactions as I read the book.  By Trinity's request, we always read the book no less than two times at a time.  Only a few weeks later, she now excitedly recites the lines with me as I read.  I guess we both like the sing-song rhythm and the story as well.  It's funny and encourages letter recognition.  I definitely recommend it!"

GERALD McBOING BOING

Written by Dr. Seuss, Illustrated by Mel Crawford

Hardcover.

Ages: Preschool and up

• Shella Manansala, a parent, recommends:  "Gerald McBoing Boing is hilarious!  It's a fun book to read, especially when my son wants to have some Daddy-and-mommy-and-Nathan time!  Because of the clear and attractive illustrations, and especially the sounds we can make together, it makes for quality reading for my family.  Sometimes, we even take turns doing the sounds that Gerald, the boy in the book, makes.  Once we get started, it's hard to stop!  I recommend this for parents who want to have a great time at storytime or bedtime.  Thumbs up!"

Kudos to Filipino authors of these children's books we love!

Tutubi Patrol series

A series of short stories written by different "storytellers", the Tutubi Patrol series are contemporary folktales for character development.  Remember the days when WE were in school and our teachers used to ask, "What is the moral of the story?"  Well, these are just like those stories we used to read in the good old days when the story was entertaining, the plot simple, and the moral easily grasped by its reader.  That's exactly what we want for the next generation - our children.  Disguised as an upbeat, engaging and relatively fast-paced story, the Tutubi Patrol is effective in increasing values & morals awareness in children.  Another great thing about the series is that it is written in Filipino with parallel English text.  Definitely a recommended addition to your child's bookshelf!

Munting Sinag-Araw (Little Sunbeam) by Gloria Velaraza-Guzman

How much do your kids know about the sun?  Aside from making Philippine summers hot and dry, and heralding the arrival of morning, the sun plays an important role in our health and in our environment. Munting Sinag-Araw describes these through attractive illustrations by Lani Maestro and a story about a little sunbeam and its brothers who go forth from the sun to spread their positive effects on everyone.  A helpful introduction to science for little ones.

Grandma & Me

Positively endearing, Grandma & Me is told from the point-of-view of a 4-year old girl named Bea.  She lives with her grandmother while her mother is away (working) in Saudi Arabia and her Daddy lives in another house.  A fresh and very reassuring story for children whose lives are similar to Bea's, it also teaches young readers that even two people can make a family --  in this case, it's Bea and her grandma. 

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