Review/ Sandy Beaches to Snow/Snow to Sandy Beaches & Good Night Philippines, Good Night World
Common Filipino-Canadian experiences are highlighted in a pair of colourfully-illustrated children's books from Edmonton author Mila Bongco-Philipzig
by paula e. kirman
by paula e. kirman
CHILDREN'S author Mila Bongco-Philipzig has not one, but two picture storybooks published by
Anvil this year. An Edmonton resident by way of the Philippines,
Bongo-Philipzig's work represents both the city's diversity and the
reality of mass emigration of people from the Philippines to cities
throughout the world.
Sandy Beaches to Snow/Snow to Sandy Beaches is
literally a two-sided book that meets in the middle. The first half
shows a family with children who are excited about travelling for the
first time and saying goodbye to the sunny land they know as they pack
heavy clothing that they will need in Canada. The second half shows the
family, years later, getting ready to visit the Philippines, with the
children eager to see their grandparents and cousins they have never
met. A wordless centrespread illustrates the meeting of the two worlds.
Good Night Philippines, Good Night World
presents children and parents saying good night to each other, one in
the Philippines in the traditional language of their specific Filipino
ethnic group, and the other in the language of the country where he or
she is working. Technology brings the loved ones together to say “good
night” and “I love you.” It features common destinations where Filipino
people are working abroad, and will expose young readers of any cultural
background to a variety of languages. A Pronunciation Tips guide at the
end will prove very helpful.
These books do not stand on the power of
their words alone. The respective artists who illustrated the books have
created colourful, exciting scenes that complement the stories well.
Mila Bongco-Philipzig has written two
modern children's books for a modern world. Aimed at ages six and up,
they are both fun and teach important lessons about culture, diversity,
and family.
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