Drop everything and read!

CEBU, Philippines - November is declared “Reading Month.”

The Department of Education urges parents, guardians and teachers to encourage more children to “drop everything and read.”

The DEAR program is seen to enhance the reading and communication skills of more pupils.

Here are five books by Filipino authors you might want to purchase from your favorite local bookstores or online. You might want to consider these as the perfect gift items for Christmas.

Bee Safe

Author: Joyce Piap-Go

Publisher: OMF Literature

Price: P150.00 (US$3.33)

Cover: Paperback

Description: Do you know that BEE-ing safe can be fun and easy? Follow Dee the Bee in the first of the Little Bee Bok series as he teaches kids some of the do’s and don’ts that can ensure their safety at home, in school, or wherever they are.

For four-to-six-year olds, Dee takes the role of playmate playing teacher. For three-year olds and below, being read to by an adult contributes to the child’s sense of security in his rapidly expanding world.

Meet My Super Dad

Author: Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

Publisher: OMF Literature

Price: P65.00 (US$1.44)

Cover: Paperback

Description: You don’t need a cape to be a superhero! What does it take to be a superhero? For Donny, it’s not superhuman strength or X-ray vision. It’s not the costume or the cape, either!

Let Donny introduce you to his superdad – and show you what makes him absolutely super!

Enjoy this adventure-filled read that will open your eyes to what makes your own dad every bit as super as Donny’s.

Alamat ng Ampalaya

Author: Augie D. Rivera Jr.

Publisher: Adarna House

Price: PhP73.00

Synopsis: This is an original story on the legend of the bitter gourd. The story excites the imagination of children and warns them against the evil of envy and greed.

Ang Hukuman ni Sinukuan

Adapted by Virgilio S. Almario

Publisher: Adarna House

Price: PhP73.00

Synopsis: Why does the turtle carry its house everywhere? Why does the martines make its nest up the tree? Why does Lamok always fly near people’s ears? Who preserves the harmony on Mount Arayat? This story for children will give you the answers.

Since November 30 is Bonifacio Day, don’t forget to add to your wish list “Andres Bonifacio (Ang Dakilang Supremo ng Katipunan).” This was written by Rodolfo Desuasido. Publisher: Aklat Adarna. Cover: Paperback. Price/s: $6.95 at amazon.com.

Description: This book is a Filipino children’s biography of Andres de Castro Bonifacio, supreme leader of the revolutionary movement KKK (Kataastaasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan).