Book Blog Tour: Wing of the Locust

We are anticipating the release of Joel Donato Ching'Jacob's Wing of the Locust by Scholastic Asia on December 15, 2020. Just look at the gorgeous book cover!

Scholastic Asia has this to say about the book.

Wing of the Locust by Filipino author Joel Donato Ching Jacob will  soon enchant fans of fantasy and folklore, in a powerfully imaginative tale set in pre-Hispanic Philippines. The novel is  published by Scholastic Asia,a subsidiary of Scholastic Inc., the world’s largest children’s book publisher and distributor known  for its phenomenal bestsellers such as the Harry Potter and The Hunger Games series. 

In the novel’s journey, the Wing of the Locust manuscript was crowned as winner of the 2018 Scholastic Asian Book Award  (SABA) that honored the best of Asian writing in English by creators of Asian origins. 

And so, we are once again having a Book Blog Tour to be participated by these wonderful book bloggers and vloggers. 

KB of Book Bed

Teacher Gerald

The Random Bibliophile

Yna the Mood Reader

Your Tita Kate

Xi Zuq's Nook 

I am so amazed at the book vlogs they have I might begin one soon!

Lastly, you can place an advanced order of Wing of the Locust in Dear Books. So head on there and make a reservation!

BDAP Litfest 2020: Navigating Social Justice Through Children's Books

Slide Presentation: Designing a MIL Module for Online Distance Learning and Remote Learning

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Gumiho Episodes 11-12

This took me a while to write. Busy. Busy. Busy. Let's cut to the chase.

Episode 11-12 hits the ground running with Yeon and Imoogi sparring and testing each other's strengths and weaknesses. Yeon definitely knows this Imoogi has evolved somewhat and he needs more than brawn to defeat his brand of evil. Ji Ah has not given up on her hopes of finding her parents so Yeon made it possible. Rang seemed to have turned for the good by working with Yeon weaken Imoogi through depriving the CEO of ground cherries. Shin Hoo and Yu Ri's relationship is a promising story waiting to bloom but the cracks in Granny and Granpa's relationship is falling through the cracks.

Well. Well. Well.

Three things I liked about these episodes are the Rang-Yeon team up, the Shin Ju-Yu Ri dynamic and the Yeon-Imoogi preview of a fight. Two things I am confused of though are Ji Ah's parents being brought back to life and Granny's game.

The gumiho brothers are exciting to watch. I don't know if its LDW or Kim Bim, but their personalities, though different fit each other's. It would be a shame to see which of them die in the end. As for Shin Ju and Yu Ri, I find them on opposite ends that pull each other like a game of tug of war. I wonder if Shin Ju can bring any sense of maturity out of Yu Ri. And then, there is the awakening of Ji Ah's parents. Why can't I suspend my disbelief in their resurgence? As for Granny, I am awaiting the sacrifice she will have to make for Yeon. It seems that she loves him like her own son, a replacement for the one she lost to suicide.

Now after 14 days of no new episodes, I look forward to seeing how Yeon will defeat Imoogi knowing the possible demise of Ji Ah since her blood spilt on the well in the earlier episode. Their romance is already at the heart of the series and everything seem to coalesce towards them be it a brush with danger or an act of salvation from one of their friends and allies. Needless to say, as many people are dying, (Imoogi, you evil brat!), Yeon and Ji Ah carve moments to share with each other as normal couples do. The meeting with the parents, the couple rings, the shoes all point to an impending doom or separation.

As I said, I am ready for whatever will happen in the end. I just hope that if any of my favorite characters die, it is justified.

Back to Back Book Reviews: Agileon '55 and I Decided To Live as Me

A dear friend who has passed on once told me that I must keep three kinds of friends. One who is older than I am to assure me that everything is going to be alright after many failures and defeats. One who is my contemporary so that we can both laugh at our mistakes. And one who is younger than I am to remind me that heart breaks are essentially good to live a full life. 

 This book is that third friend. It is wounded and learning. It is young and convicted. It is honest and brave. This is the book -- the friend, that I appreciate reading given the circumstances I am in at this moment of my life. 

I Decided to Live As Me By Soo-hyun Kim Translations by Ma. Kristina Carlo Rico and Kyung-min Bae APop/Adarna House 2020

Rating: Four Bookmarks

This is a special book sent to me by the Solina sisters,

Bernadette

,

Joy

and

Yvette

whom I have met and worked with in varied and different ways. Now I know the source of their intelligence and grace while reading Agileon ‘55 in Saudi Arabia: Memoirs and Perplexities of a Project Manager by Romeo A. Solina.

Through this book, I was invited into the colorful lives of the Solinas, most especially from their father as I gain insights about military science as applied to program management. Even the author’s reflections of the little things that appear mundane are elevated into virtues I often look for in every day life. Snoopy is the best, Mr. Solina. I agree with you, percent!

Rating: 3 Bookmarks

Bibliotherapy Q and A: Senior High School Students, Reading and Technology

To continue with the Bibliotherapy Q and A, here are two more questions from the webinar. Here are links to the previous blog posts: set 1 which is about retellings of classic tales and set 2 which is about access to books and library services. 

What techniques can we do to create bibliotherapy for senior high school students? How we can convince them to read.

First, we have to know what reading is. Research in literacy teaching and learning informs us that reading can be defined and understood from many lenses or disciplines. In education, reading is seen as a series of developmental stages (Chall, 1983). Reading is also a process. Rosenblat (1990) theorised that reading is an interactive process where in the reader and the text engage and connect efferently and asethetically. The reader plays an active role in the construction of meaning and in comprehension the message of the text.

Senior High School students fall under the stage where they are capable of understanding multiple viewpoints. They can respond to the text in varied ways. They learn in this process of understanding and clarifying their responses to text or literature they encounter either in formal schooling or in every day. Here are my top three activities you can do with your junior high school and high school students.

1. Reading Challenges like the one Gene Luen Yang advocates. The Reading Without Walls reading challenge by Yang, a well loved comic book creator, can be fully accessed in the link provided for. Offer your high school students an array of different books and materials to read. Expose them to as many forms of literature as possible.

2. Book Vlogs and Book Trailers. Have them respond to books and stories they have read through blogging, vlogging and book trailers.

3. Create an online reading room or virtual reading where students can access digital libraries for free.

How do you encourage (reading to) children of today (who are) engrossed to technology and social media gaming etc.?

We need to take the printed book as it is and the same can be said about media and technology. We need to see how different these technologies are from each other and also understand what makes them similar to each other. We do not have to pit books against online resources. We often speak of balance in tech use, but, we also need to acknowledge that different kinds of technologies, or a mix of them, can address many modalities of learning.

So, for this question, my answer is very similar to the one above. As librarians we need to create and design learning spaces and environments where readers can choose reading materials, set their own goals or criteria for reading and using tech as we provide a safe space for them to be and get involved in their process of creating and communicating their responses.

This means, we have to learn with our readers. We are learners ourselves.

PLAI Congress: Plenary Session

This one is for the PLAI Congress as I am speaking on Day 3 where all the education and instructional tracks are scheduled. Also, it is Library Association day, so I am doing this one for PASLI.

Zarah C. Gagatiga, RL

09209672884

zarah.gagatiga@gmail.com

http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com

@thecoffeegoddes - Twitter

@zarah815 – IG

@authorZarahG815 – Facebook

 

Bio Note (English)

Zarah is a teacher librarian, an award-winning author, blogger and storyteller. She handles press releases and communications protocol for the Philippine Association of School Librarians and currently represents the library sector in the Philippine Board on Books for Young People. 

Zarah believes in three things: the power of love; the value of family and friendship; and, with the use of appropriate methods, that books and reading can change lives. Visit her blog at http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com.

Bio Note (Filipino)

Si Zarah ay isang gurong librarian, premyadong manunulat, blogger at kuwntista. Siya ang PRO ng Philippine Association of School Librraians (PASLI) at kumakatawan sa sector ng mg librarian ng Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY). Si Zarah ay naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pag-ibig; sa kahalagahan ng pamilya at pagkakaibigan; at, gamit ang tamang pamamaraan ng pagtuturo, ang aklat at pagbabasa ay may kakayahang gawing pambihira ang isang buhay.

 

 

PLAI Congress Parallel Session for PASLI

Title: Designing Media and Information Literacy Skills Modules for Online Distance Learning and Remote Learning

 

Description

 

The session is a seminar-workshop for school librarians, teachers, advocates of Media and Information Literacy (MIL), parents and media practitioners. Trends and current practices in the teaching of MIL skills will be discussed including a matrix of MIL skills and topics for K-12 learners. Platforms of different modalities that are used for the design and delivery of MIL modules for ODL and remote learning will be presented as well.

 

Reflection Questions

1.     What are the key principles of instructional design?

2.     What are the fundamental concepts of MIL in application to school library services and programing?

3.     With an understanding of the context of your learning community, how will you approach the design and planning of a MIL program?

Paghilom at Pag-asa sa Panahon ng Pandemya: 3x3 Best Reads by Audrey Anday

Here is Ms. Audrey Anday's 3x3 Best Reads. Librarians read!

Allow me to share my output for the second priming activity, for the webinar-workshop Paghilom at Pag-asa sa Panahon ng Pandemya: Kamusta ka? Kamusta na? Magkamustahan Kata sa Panahon ng Pandmeya!

 

Here are three books I considered as my best reads for the past two years, with my simple review of the book in three sentences and complete bibliographic data of each book. 

 

Mama said there’d be days like this (but she never said just how many) by Charlene Ann Baumbich, published by Guideposts, 1995.

 

This book served as divine summation of stories about good, bad and dubious days that I helped me laugh at my own escapades. It reminded me of certain Someone I need to remember and hold close, days that I treasure so much from yesterday events and as long as my childhood. Truly, everyday is a gift, everyday offers a chance to giggle and backslap, belly laugh and hug, cry and dream, love and forgive, something my Mama used to tell me.

 

A little salty to cut the sweet: Southern stories of faith, family and fifteen pounds of bacon by Sophie Hudson, published by Tyndale House Publishers Inc.,  2013.

 

How this book was written also has a different way of touching my heart. It made me recall family days, our gatherings, meals and stories we share  that really became our sources of nourishment. This book illustrates how God faithfully teaches us deep lasting lessons about loyalty, love and more about Him.

 

Language the language of prayer by Joyce Huggett, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship, 1994.

 

As the saying goes, Communication is the lifeblood and heartbeat of every relationship, that is why I am delighted to have this guide as I explore the heart of prayer. It also emphasized the importance of having a prayer journal and creatively take note of the promises and revelation of words spoken/written. Silent time with God in an established prayer corner/prayer room reserved for quiet prayer is a sacred time is very important.

 

Reference and Resources: Post Pandemic Hacks for Librarians

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 7 - 10

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

Tale of the Nine Tailed has six more episodes to go. The series will fold up by the end of the month, more or less. Many fans of LDW and loyal viewers of the series are excited to see how every pieces of the puzzle will all fit together. Questions that sprang up at the beginning of the series are constantly being asked on socmed. Will there be a happily ever after for Yeon and Ji Ah? Is death the ultimate redemption of Rang? Will Granny ever show tenderness to Yeon? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice to defeat the Imoogi? Where are Ji Ah’s parents and how will they factor in the resurgence of the Imoogi if they are ever found?

I would rather take things in stride by watching episode per episode for the next remaining weeks. Like eating my favorite dish, I will enjoy this ever so slowly until the last morsel because LDW’s next drama will probably be in the middle of 2021. A long wait.

So, here are the things I relish from the last four episodes.

The honesty is evident in the dialogues and scenes between the casts of the drama. At times witty, but often straightforward. Shin Ju does not deny his feelings for Yu Ri nor his displeasure for Rang. When he loves, he loves. When he is annoyed, he is annoyed. It is the same with Yeon and Ji Ah. This is a pairing that does not beat around the bush.

By episode 5, they already recognized their feelings for each other. They do not play around or explode into useless drama. There is a bigger force at work and they both know it has to be dealt with. This connection and dynamic were established early on that is why, Yeon was able to reach her in her subconscious when they were both in the realm of darkness. I particularly liked this episode. It is the 9^th episode and I think the writer made use of the folkloric and mythic elements (the red string of destiny, the shadow self, the underworld) quite effectively to show that destiny entails commitment and devotion. The universe has something to do with this, yes, but loving is a lot of hard work. Pinaghihirapan ang forever. Yeon and Ji Ah had to wait for each other.

“I waited for you” is a line that has been repeated three times in the drama. Waiting is no joke. Waiting is a test of character. Waiting requires restraint and self-sacrifice. If that is not romantic tell me what is.

And finally, that kiss they shared in the rain. Slow and tender at first. Then it deepens until Yeon and Ji Ah break for air. Eyes closed and lips partly open, Yeon waits (again!) for her to reach up to him. She does so with eagerness that Yeon meets her passion and reciprocates it with his own. The song reaches the refrain while rain softly falls all around. A fitting closure to the second act.

Episode 10 begins with the Imoogi making a move on Ji Ah. Rang is faced with a difficult choice. Yeon confronts his nemesis. I am hoping it will not take the route that TKEM did. No fan service, please.

ZarahG's Read Aloud and Storytelling for Hope and Healing - For Middle Grades

Because it is Library and Information Services Month, here is a video of a read aloud and storytelling session I made that makes use of a bibliotherapy framework. I used one of the stories in the anthology Hope, Where Are You (Doucet and GoRu, 2020). I hope this can be a helpful to you and your readers in the school library.

Here is a guide for the flow of the session. 

Heart Mapping - 5-10mins (pause the video) Summary and reflections - 10-20 mins (pause the video) COVID-19 Story Beginning Middle End Framework - 30 mins asynchronous (pause the video) Encourage students to submit/share their works and display them in the library via online platform. This will complete the bibliotherapy process or experience. You can also generate feedback and comments from others.

Kuwentong Musmos Team Lampara Books Are Now Available!

The printed copy of Masaya Ang Maging Ako (Gagatiga and Bauza, Lampara Books 2019) can now be bought online as well as the four titles of picture books written and illustrated by authors and illustrators who took part in the Kuwentong Musmos Project of Room to Read under Lampara Books.

Limang bagong Children's Books mula sa Lampara Books at Room to Read ang magbibigay ng saya at aral sa ating mga anak.

Samahan nating magbasa at sabayan natin sila sa pagtuklas ng mga bagong kuwento sa patuloy na nagbabagong mundo.

Bisitahin ang ating mga Precious Shop Online Stores para sa malalaking discounts

https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.Ys7wG

https://shopee.ph/preciouspages?smtt=0.0.9

#LamparaBooks #RoomToRead #childrensbooks #raisingreaders #Parenting #ActivityBooks #KidsBooks #RadicalStories #ActivityBooks #KidsBooks

Here are links to blog posts I have written about the Kuwentong Musmos project. It is a book project I am so proud of being a part of.

Start by getting to know the Team Lampara Authors. After reading this, head on to this link for the Team Lampara Illustrators interview compilation. Then, see what happened at the Kuwentong Musmos press launch. I also have a special interview with Jamie Bauza who illustrated Tere so well!

Next year, I look forward to listening to the radio drama version of Masaya Ang Maging Ako which will be produced by Tanghalang Pilipino and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

ZarahG's Read Aloud and Storytelling for Hope and Healing: My Daddy, My One and Only!

Because it is Library and Information Services Month, here is a video of a read aloud and storytelling session I made that makes use of a bibliotherapy framework. This is for free until November 15, 2020. 

I used our book, My Daddy, My One and Only (Gagatiga and Tejido, Lampara Books 2013) as the material. Plus, a hand made tale is included at the end. Enjoy! 

Send us some love by buying the printed copy. Click this link to place your orders.

Bibliotherapy Q and A: Miyawing Kuting and Reaching Out to the Community During COVID-19

To continue with the Bibliotherapy Q and A, here are two more. Click this link for the first set of questions I answered early this week.

Pano po mag avail ng books na nabanggit niu po Ma'am? How can I avail of the books you presented, Ma'am?

The book, Miyawing Kuting, is part of the Bulilit Books series. It was a commissioned project of the Nutrition Council of the Philippines Publishing Company (NCPPC). You can get in touch with the NCPPC through Rusell Mondano in this contact number: 09065679050.

It would also be of interest to read up on the creative process that the team of content creators went through in making the book. Find out more about the project by clicking the highlighted words and phrases above.

As a librarian, how can we help our clients or reach them?

At the time of a pandemic, librarians need to be creative and resilient. We need to look at all the possible ways in which we can reach our community. If, before COVID-19, the library has not yet embedded itself in the learning community then, it will be very tough for the librarian to reach people.

When the library is already a part of the school or the learning community's ecosystem, then the challenges are lesser, somewhat. This would mean that the library is included in the upgrading of the technology infrastructure as well as the curricular changes that the learning community is going through. Support from school administrator is key.

Reach out in all aspects using all known technology possible - from the traditional physical access of books and resources to creating a virtual space for the library where students, teachers and parents. We need to be visible and relevant. Collaborate with colleagues, the tech staff, teachers who need assistance, faculty developing modules for remote learning, delegate staff to spread out duties and task but do take care of yourself.

Reach in your self too. You cannot help others if you are not healthy in body, mind and spirit.

Bibliotherapy Q and A: The Retelling of Classic Stories and Learning Gained Through the Years

Now I begin answering questions from the Bibliotherapy Workshop I had last October 30. Here goes!

Is it ok to change the story line of classic stories just to be appropriate to our children's age? I am thinking when they find out the real story when they grow po ba wala po bang masamang effect. Won't you look like a liar to your children?

No. It is not OK to change the story line of classic stories to make them appropriate for kids. What can be done is to look for condensed, digested, abridged or graphic novel copies of these classics that are appropriate for a specific age and stage of reading development of children. Movies and animated versions can also be considered for their viewing.

A quick look online can lead you to varied publishers and publishing houses that publishes classic stories for children. In the Philippines, I recommend you take a look at the online store and catalog of Lampara Books or Precious Pages Bookstore. They have classic stories for children and some are even translated in Filipino.

What is the most inspiring experience/s you encounter while doing bibliotheraphy? What are the challenges and how do you encounter it?

I have many inspiring experiences conducting bibliotherapy. To have students in the college and graduate level seek my advise and help on bibliotherapy is one. Having experienced to do a session with children who were cancer patients a few years ago was an inspiring and challenging one too.

I learned that bibliotherapy has a special purpose and that I have limitations as a storyteller and bibliotherapist. After that memorable experience with the children, I pushed my self to learn more about bibliotherapy by conducting research. I dream of one day, being able to write an academic paper about it. I also wish to present this paper to an audience and have it published in a journal

Q and A from the Bibliotherapy Workshop with PLAI ZamPen and Regalo Touching Lives

In the next few days, I will be answering the questions asked during the Bibliotherapy webinar with PLAI ZamPen. Here is the first set of questions.

Is it ok to change the story line of classic stories just to be appropriate to our children's age? I am thinking when they find out the real story when they grow po ba wala po bang masamang effect. Won't you look like a liar to your children?

What techniques can we do to create bibliotherapy for senior high school students? How we can convince them to read?

What is the most inspiring experience/s you encounter while doing bibliotheraphy? What are the challenges and how do you encounter it?

How do you encourage children of today engrossed to technology and social media gaming etc.?

Pano po mag avail ng books na nabanggit niu po mam?

Bakit po ba may taong nahihirapang mag open up sa iba?

As a librarian, how can we help our clients or reach them?

Paghilom at Pag-asa sa Panahon ng Pandemya: Following Through Miyawing Kuting's Story

For the participants of the Bibliotherapy workshop/webinar, this is our post activity to close the experience. Simply answer the questions below like you would answer or write in a diary or journal. If the spirit moves you, post on your socmed accounts or timeline the fruits of your reflection.

Use these hashtags: your socmed account using the hashtags #bibliotheraphy2020 #paghilomatpagasa #storytellingforhopeandhealing #regalotouchinglives.

Thank you very much for your participation. I am learning with you during this time of the pandemic!