The 4th National Children’s Book Awards

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) are pleased to present to you the winners of the 4^th National Children’s Book Awards (NCBA), the best Filipino children's and young adult books published in 2014 and 2015.

Dumaan si Butiki

Written by Mary Gigi Constantino

Illustrated by Ray Sunga

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Judges' citation:

Sino ang mag-aakala na eksayting ang paglalakbay ng isang butiki? Sobrang nakakaaliw ang pagsulpot-sulpot kung saan-saang bahagi ng bahay ng butiki sa kuwento. Ang simpleng texto ay nagamit pa upang ituro ang konsepto ng kabaliktaran, sa paraang kaaya-aya. Kung kaya, hindi ka magsasawa sa pagsubaybay sa lahat ng dinaanan ni Butiki.

Haluhalo

Illustrated by Eli F. Camacho

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Judges' citation:

Ang aklat na ito, ay kumpleto sa sangkap, puwera lang sa salita. Marami itong iba't ibang kulay, siksik sa tamis at umaapaw sa aliw. Kung sa bagay, ano pa ba ang kailangan sabihin kung kitang-kita naman at madali maintindihan ng bata man o matanda ang paggawa at pagkain ng haluhalo? Haaay! ang sarap ulit-ulitin ang pagbabasa sa nalikhang aklat ni Eli F. Camacho na Haluhalo.

Mang Andoy's Signs

Written by Mailin Paterno

Illustrated by Isabel Roxas

Published by Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Inc.

Judges' citation:

We see it everywhere. A crowd of funny, wise, vulgar, ridiculous words and phrases rendered in bold strokes and colorful letters. But as the sight becomes too familiar, the messages they convey are soon ignored. Thus, it is refreshing to read Mailin Paterno's simple story about a billboard maker who turned harsh warnings into gentle reminders. Isabel Roxas complemented it with her signature whimsical illustrations using bright splashes of color and chaotic spreads that actually make sense. Together, they created Mang Andoy's Signs, a delightful book for both children and adults. This book truly deserves a sign of its own saying: "Simply marvelous!"

Salusalo para kay Kuya

Written by Ergoe Tinio

Illustrated by JC Galag

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Judges' citation:

Masarap maging bahagi ng pamilyang Pilipino. Malaki, maingay pero masaya. Para bang ibinalik ako sa pagkabata ng “Salusalo para kay Kuya.” Naalala ko noong bata pa ako, kapag kaarawan ko na ay sabik na sabik akong gumising nang maaga para buksan ang aking mga regalo. Ramdam mo rin ang pagmamahal ng isang kapamilya sa kaanak sa kuwento. Sa bawat pahina ng kuwento, nangungusap ang mga mapinpintog na pisngi ng mga tauhan, abala sa isang salusalo, pero masaya pa rin ang lahat. Ipinapa-alaala na dapat tayong maging katulad ni Bubuy Boy, na umiiyak ng bahaghari, na kahit na parang may iniwan na malaking butas ang ating kaanak kapag sila ay pumanaw na, kailangan tayong maging malakas at puno ng pag-asa at sariwain ang mga inspirasyong iniwan nila.

Salamat Ergoe Tinio, JC Galag, at Adarna House sa mahusay na kuwento!

  

Supremo

Written by Xi Zuq

Illustrated by Al Estrella

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Judges' citation:

Supremo is an engaging read. This heartwarming story takes you back to the good old days when you felt lucky to have a best friend and you felt tingled upon seeing your crush. Its flowing language, realistic plot, and catchy illustrations come together to give you one unforgettable ride. It makes you laugh out loud; it makes you stop and think; it even manages to make you shed tears. And, just when you start thinking you’ve had it all, it reminds you of your social responsibility―without pushing it down your throat forcibly. Kids will love this, and adults will enjoy it, too. Supreme, indeed!

Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon

Written by Edgar Calabia Samar

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Judges' citation:

Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is a captivating tale of a young boy’s courage amidst the enveloping darkness in his life. Edgar Calabria Samar pulls us into a world of mysterious events and frightening characters from Philippine folklore. He expertly weaves in elements from role-playing video games, a concept that connects with young readers (and to gamers of all ages). This book takes us on a rollercoaster ride full of adventure, suspense, and danger. 

Finally, a hero like Janus Silang claims his space in our imagination. He rises above the challenges and gives hope―a bright star leading us out of the darkness.

Winner of the Kids' Choice Award

Made Perfect in Weakness

Written by Didith Rodrigo

Illustrated by Patricia Lascano

Published by The Bookmark, Inc.

Judges' citations:

"Ang nagustuhan ko sa Made in Perfect Weakness ay yung story niya kasi kahit she’s blind at tinutukso, hindi siya sumuko at siya ay nakapagtapos."

"Kahit po na bulag siya, hindi siya tumigil sa pag-aaral. At parehas kami ng favorite subject."

"Hindi hadlang ang kapansanan sa pag-aaral."

"Kasi po nag-work hard siya para makuha yung goal niya."

"Dahil hindi hadlang ang kapansanan sa pag-aaral. At may aral din tayong makukuha sa kwento na kailangan, kahit hindi tayo perpekto, kailangan nating magsikap."