Every year on September 8, the world comes together to celebrate World Literacy Day, a reminder that the simple act of reading can open doors to imagination, opportunity, and hope. For children, books are often their first companions in understanding the world. The stories they grow up with don’t just teach them how to read; they teach them who they are, where they come from, and what kindness, courage, and love can look like.

Here are five Filipino children’s books that carry those lessons and deserve a place on every young reader’s shelf:

1. Ang Kuwento ni Mimosa

This enchanting tale follows a Mimosa seed’s yearning to grow like its mother, capturing themes of faith, perseverance, and self-discovery. Written by Bimbo Papasin and beautifully illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre, the story has quickly become a hit among young readers in the Philippines

2. Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language

Through graceful illustrations and gentle storytelling, two children forge friendship using Filipino Sign Language. A thoughtful inclusion is the illustrated endpapers featuring real signs—fostering empathy, awareness, and appreciation for diverse ways of communicating.

3. At The School Gate

Set in the post-Martial Law Philippines, this story centers on a girl waiting outside school for her mother—who’s involved in activism. With warmth and simplicity, it introduces bravery, community, and civic awareness—making history accessible to young minds.

4. When Lola Visits

A joyful story about summers made brighter by a grandmother’s visit. Filled with food, music, and traditions, it captures the love between generations and the comfort of home—whether that home is here in the Philippines or across the sea.

5. Araw sa Palengke

Winner of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People–Alfredo Navarro Salanga Prize, this classic takes children through the bustle of a local market. Its vibrant pages capture not only the sights and sounds of the palengke but also the tenderness of a child’s bond with her mother.

On this day dedicated to literacy, we are reminded that every child deserves stories that reflect their lives, spark their curiosity, and help them dream. These books carry pieces of Filipino culture and heart—gifts that children can hold onto as they grow. In giving kids these stories, we give them more than books; we give them roots and wings.