All About the Philippines

August 15, 2015
Three cousins representing the diverse cultural groups who inhabit the Philippines take readers on a tour of the many islands that make up the archipelago. Mary, Jaime, and Ari are the offspring of three sisters from the Ifugao people of Luzon, but their fathers are of Chinese, Spanish, and Muslim Arab descent. This device lends an artificial, idealized spin to the diversity question, but it gets the job done. No mention is made of the contemporary rise of Muslim separatists, although the section on history notes that the Americans "impos[ed] their style of democratic authority." The emphasis is on cultural activities, including religious holidays, and favorite foods (with recipes for pancit, a noodle dish; polveron, a candy made from powdered milk; and halo-halo, a combination of fruits and beans with ice, sugar, and milk). There are descriptions of games including sipa, which is similar to hacky sack, with directions for making your own sipa, and sungka, also known as mancala in Africa and the Middle East. Unfortunately, instructions are not clear enough to really play. The only craft is a modified parol, a Christmas decoration. A creation myth and one song are included, but the book's real strength is the description of activities and life in different parts of the country. The large format and attractive, cartoonlike illustrations provide an inviting look at a country not often included in many other resources for children. (websites, index ) (Nonfiction. 7-10)

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August 1, 2015

Gr 1-3-Three first cousins, each of whom represents a different Filipino ethnic group, introduce readers to the history, culture, and daily life of their country. The geographical, religious, and (some) cultural differences among them showcase the rich diversity of the Philippines while stressing the similarities among the children, as well as what they have in common with American children. Each spread is illustrated with bright watercolors and features a different topic, such as history, biodiversity and current environmental concerns, sights to see, favorite foods, crafts to make at home, and how to say thank you in a selection of the many commonly spoken languages. This approach makes it easy to browse but sometimes ends up simplifying the topic: some of the history is muddled and contradictory. VERDICT This latest offering in Tuttle's "All About..." series is the strongest yet and much needed.-Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2015
Grades 3-6 This book is the latest installment in the highly praised All About series, which celebrates Asian nations' culture and history. Jimenez employs the perspective of three fictional youngsters, Ari, Mary, and Jaime, who represent the incredible diversity of the Filipino people as they travel and learn about the human history, climate regions, and natural wonders of the Philippines. The interplay of Chinese, Spanish, and American influence on the island nation and the Filipino people's struggle for independence are explored in detail. Folk music, artwork, local legends and lore, food, and games are all part of the comprehensive glimpse into a religiously and culturally diverse nation. Ecological issues, such as deforestation, are discussed. Full-color watercolor illustrations by Dandan-Albano are a perfect complement to the text, brimming with recognizable details and the ebullient colors and liveliness that are hallmarks of Filipino culture. Plenty of hands-on art projects, recipes (all of which will require adult supervision), and activities make this book a truly interactive lesson in geography.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)