Book Review: May Higante Sa Aming Bahay

November 17, 2013 by

On one of our trips to the bookstore, I was pleasantly surprised when my little Jakei chose two Adarna books instead of the usual movie-based books he loves to read.  His two choices, May Higante sa Aming Bahay and Mister Beetles Many Rooms, are written by Filipino authors in both the English and Filipino Languages. Both books have wonderful illustrations by Filipino artists as well.

May Higante sa Aming Bahay is written by Rhandee Garlitos who has won various awards for his poems and stories for children.  The illustrations are done by PBBY Illustrator’s Prize awardee Ferdinand Guevara.

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The story is about how anxious a little boy was about the coming of a higante(giant) in the house.  Fearful as he was, Matt-Matt couldn’t understand why his mother and siblings were all excitedly looking forward to the giant’s homecoming.  Many children of Overseas Filipino Workers, especially those who were still very young when their parents left to work abroad, can relate to this story.

I think my little Jakei took this book off the shelf when he read the word “higante” thinking it was a story of adventure.  Nonetheless, he loves reading the book both in English and in Filipino.  Somehow at his tender age, he has learned also to appreciate that he sees his Papa everyday.

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May Higante sa Aming Bahay is recommend for children age 8 and above but my kids (age 4 & 5) can appreciate the story already so I would still recommend it to even younger kids.  If you are an OFW family, this book would be a great addition to your children’s bookshelf.

Filed Under: BookWorms, Kids At Work Tagged With: ,

Book Review: Learning About Teamwork: CODLEY AND THE BIG STORM – TOGETHER WE CAN!

September 18, 2012 by

A few weeks ago, I was given a free copy of an ebook that was written precisely to teach young children about Teamwork.  CODLEY AND POKIE – TOGETHER WE CAN! by Lisl Fair is filled with colorful illustrations of delightful sea creatures that hold the interest of young children.  This book with its simple vocabulary and easy to understand context is also great for early readers.  My four-year-old girl was even able to read the entire story by herself. 

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The story is about how Codley the octopus and Pokie the puffer fish cleaned their shipwreck with the help of other sea creatures residing there as well.  By using their individual capabilities and working as a team, they were able to do what seemed impossible to accomplish.

When I asked my little ones what they liked best about the story, both said that they liked it when all the animals cleaned the mess together.  My 3-year-old boy said, “they cleaned the boat together and then they were happy already.” I guess then that the book was successfully able to convey my young children that working together would lead to positive results.

My children are preschoolers and can relate to Pokie’s initial apprehension about being too small to be of any help.  They too sometimes get frustrated about not being big or strong enough to do certain things.  At their young age, they still need plenty of encouragement (and guidance) as they discover their abilities.

Though this is a children’s book, we adults could learn a lot also about teamwork.  I’m certain that most of us also feel at one point or another that we can’t do anything to help others or even our society because we lack the proper resources or skills needed.  It would be wise for us to heed Pokie’s grandma’s advice, “Just think about one way you can help, no matter how small.”

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Codley and the Big Storm – Together We Can! is available in Kindle Edition.  This wonderfully illustrated picture book is a must read for children, especially those who have siblings.  To know more about this book and other great reads, visit http://www.BrainyConnections.com or http://www.facebook.com/BrainyConnections.

Filed Under: BookWorms, for the KIDS, Kids At Work, PLAYhouse preSCHOOL, Products We Love, Resources Tagged With: , ,

A Conversation With God for Women by Marcia Ford

May 9, 2011 by

A few days ago, I received a complimentary copy of A Conversation with God for Women by Marcia Ford. This book written specifically for women provides answers to fifty-five of life’s greatest questions.  Each question and its answer is based on the Scripture and most gives us an awareness of how God impacts our lives as women. The last section of the book, Notes, cites Biblical references for each chapter and provides a guide for seeking out the truth for oneself.

The questions and answers are presented in conversation form that it seems you are actually conversing with God, Jesus, Hannah, Lydia, and other Biblical women.  It is quite easier for me to understand Biblical truths presented in this manner.  Also, I find it more engaging as it seems that I am merely in a casual conversation and not in a theology class or something of the sort.

Reading the book, I couldn’t help wishing I had come across it a couple of years ago.  It would have greatly helped me cope with the difficulties I experienced as a wife adjusting to a different environment and a new mother unsure of how she would take care of her daughter while grieving for the other twin she had lost.  Questions such as “Do You hear everybody’s prayers?”, “Why aren’t some prayers answered?”, and “How can anybody find good in tragedy?” were among the many questions whose answers eluded me back then.

Aside from providing answers to questions about God, Jesus, The Bible, Life and Relationships, Prayer, and Good and Evil, this book can serve as a devotional for women who seek a more intimate relationship with the Lord.  The insights of Sarah and other noteworthy women of the Bible also inspire us to be women of God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Products We Love Tagged With: , , ,
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