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So it turns out that Ms. Reni Roxas' interview deserves a three-part feature instead of just two. In this second installment, she shares cherished memories that surfaced while writing Pretty Peach. Additionally, the story behind her collaboration with illustrator Adrian Panadero is rich in creativity and meaning that we’ll need more time to fully digest and savor each morsel of insight.
4. Award and Recognition: How did winning first prize
in the Palanca Awards influence your journey as a writer and the book’s
development?
As publisher of Tahanan, and before that as a children’s book editor in the US, I have served as a midwife to over 200 books in my lifetime. Winning that Palanca first prize in the “Best Short Story for Children” category in 2019 affirmed my desire to write stories of my own. It took about five years to turn that short story into a picture book.
5. Character Creation: How did you develop the
character of Pretty Peach? Does she reflect someone or something in your life?
At first, I named her
simply “Peach.” It was my son who suggested we call her “Pretty Peach,” and the
name stuck. I knew my character’s parents would be Ma White and Pa Orange.
Peach’s initial forays in the book reminded me of the time when I was nearing
my twenties. An aunt we had told us, that if someone was meant for you, you
could be hiding under a bed and he would still find you. I believed her. When I
got a bit older I realized my aunt was
wrong. To find the love of your life, you have to leave the house! Ganoon pala…
Thus I made Pretty Peach a seeker and a dreamer. Her
discernment of suitors grows hand in hand with her understanding of the world
around her. The book also shines a spotlight on progeny…in the back of the book
is a family tree showing Peach and Aqua’s children and descendants. At a
glance you see genetics at work! Pretty cool.
I consider myself super
blessed to have had Adrian as a creative partner for this project. Working with
him was a wonderful experience. It was Adrian who chose to make Peach’s
character gender-fluid. And it was he who encouraged me to think about
subverting long-held beliefs. And so he made Peach’s mother tall and angular,
and the father short and plump. Stereotypes still played a role in the plot,
however—Gray is a dreary, sad suitor…and Red is loud and bombastic.
Adrian is very intentional and deliberate when it comes
to the Work. He is a clean and clear thinker and is thorough with his
deliverables. For an artist so young (he is in his late twenties), he is very
sophisticated and mature. When deciding on what to put in the backmatter, it
was Adrian who created the whole double-page spread about the Color Wheel and
how complementary colors work. Adrian can write as well as illustrate. That’s
how talented he is.
I believe all the world would probably want to work with
Adrian Panadero, and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to work with him.
Part 3, the last installment of Ms. Roxas' interview will be posted next week -- a fitting close to the month of hearts!
Now, go get your copy of Pretty Peach Today! 🍑✨
Retailing for only P295, Pretty Peach is available at Fully Booked and selected National Bookstore branches.
📍 Special Feature! This February, visit Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street and check out our dedicated Pretty Peach table—the perfect Valentine’s month treat! 💕
Prefer to shop online? Order now through Tahanan’s official website:
🔗 https://tahananbooks.ph/products/pretty-peach
Grab your copy and fall in love with Pretty Peach! 🍑💖
#PrettyPeach #TahananBooks #ValentineReads
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