Best Philippine children’s books honored at the Severino Reyes Medal 2025

Best Philippine children’s books honored at the Severino Reyes Medal 2025 | Daily Tribune

The International Board on Books for Young People-Philippines (IBBY-PH) formally awarded the winners of this year’s Severino Reyes Medal, during a ceremony held at the National Library of the Philippines on Kalaw Avenue in Manila on 21 May.

Nakikisilong by author Eljay Castro Deldoc, illustrated by Richard Red C. Elli, and published by Southern Voices Printing Press, was named Best Storybook, while Sa Iisang Batya by Christopher Rosales and illustrator Rommel Joson, published by Brilliant Creations Publishing, won Best Picture Book.

Krie R. Lopez’s Oha: A Story Told in One Eternal Second, with illustrations by Mikke Gallardo and published by Milflores Publishing, meanwhile, won in the Young Adult Literature category. A special citation was also awarded to author Mon Sy, illustrator Ara Villena, and their publisher Adarna House for Mga Tagapagtanggol ng Lupang Ninuno for its moving tribute to the indigenous peoples of the Philippines and their deep ties to the land, culture and language.

Now in its second year, the Severino Reyes Medal is organized by IBBY-Philippines, the national section of a global network of professionals and organizations dedicated to promoting children’s literature and literacy worldwide, in collaboration with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and professional librarian organizations Philippine Librarians Association Inc. (PLAI), Association of Librarians in the Public Sector (ALPS), and Philippine Association of School Librarians Inc. (PASLI). As custodians of knowledge and champions of literacy, librarians play a pivotal role in shaping young readers’ literary experiences.

The annual event honors creative excellence in Filipino children’s and young adult literature, being named after the beloved playwright and storyteller Severino Reyes, the creator of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang. The heirs of Severino Reyes also provided guidance and support to this award, which recognizes the best picture books, storybooks, and young adult books published in the Philippines.

A selection committee was tapped to choose an “Honor List” from hundreds of entries submitted by local publishers. This year’s panel was headed by Dr. Dolores Carungui from NLP. Other committee members were Jose Tomas Fernando and Melody Madrid from NLP; Carol Tapia from NBDB, Maria Victoria dela Cruz and Charito Basagre from PASLI; Easter Wahayna-Pablo and Lucila Raquino from ALPS; and Elisa Garcia and Kevin Conrad Tansiongco from PLAI.

The Honor List

Making it to the Honor List of selected titles for this year’s Best Storybook category are Pretty Peach by author Reni Roxas and illustrator Adrian Panadero, published by Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing; Si Mallaki Atsa Tarumpu (Mallaki and the Spinning Top) by author Vanessa Mae Empasis Segura and illustrator Octopus & Whale, published by 8 Letters Bookstore and Publishing; Maria Sibol: Ang Natatanging Batang Diwata (A One-of-a-kind Child Goddess) by author Mark Norman Boquiren and illustrator Kata Alamon, published by Lampara Books; and Robin: Ang Nakakulong na Ibon (Robin: The Caged Bird) by author Neil Omar B. Gamos and illustrator Rhea Kristine U. Elnar, published by Johnny and Hansel Publications.

For the Best Picture Book category, named to the Honor List are Si Kamatis Inis (The Grumbling Tomato), by author Mary Ann A. Ordinario and illustrator Danielle Florendo, published by ABC Educational Developmental Center Children’s Book Inc.; Love na Love ni Lola Ang Lila (Grandma Loves Violet) by author Jacqueline V. Franquelli and illustrator Aldy C. Aguirre, published by OMF Literature Inc.; A Whale In Prison by author Mary Ann A. Ordinario and illustrator Danielle Florendo, published by ABC Educational Developmental Center Children’s Book, Inc.; and Kaub-ofuden Shin Lijang Utah: The Legend of the Utah Cave by the indigenous people of Balbalan, Kalinga and author Danielle Florendo, who also illustrated the book, published by Alamid Publishing House.

In the Honor List for the Young Adult Book category are I Highly Nominate by author and illustrator E. Manawari, published by E. Manawari/Mariel C. Mantilla; Folktales from a Kalinga Village by publisher, author and illustrator Joan D. Saga-oc; Out of Touch, Out of Time by author Johnny Boneo (self-published) and illustrator James Irwin Esparas; and The Struggle is Real by author Ronald Molmisa and illustrator Nixon Na, published by OMF Literature Inc.

In a statement, IBBY Philippines president Kristine Mandigma commended the awardees: “I am incredibly proud of our immensely talented authors, illustrators and publishers who continue to uplift excellence in Philippine children’s literature. As part of IBBY Philippines’ mission, we are always committed to supporting initiatives that bring books and children together and promote love for reading and children’s books. We are also honored with the trust given to us by the heirs of Severino Reyes, so that through this event, we may reach a wider audience, especially the younger generation, whose engagement is vital to preserving our cultural narrative and the legacy of Lola Basyang.”