Our spotlight shines on KADO Publishing, an independent, Filipina-owned publishing house that focuses on books by Filipino and Asian artists and writers that highlight Filipino heritage, nature, STEM concepts, and values formation.
Here now is an exciting interview with Ms. Alex Romualdez Broekman about their line of children's books and good read within and outside of her book shelf.
1. What is the most challenging book you have produced or published yet? What made it so?
Probably the most challenging book was The Myths and Legends of the Philippines. The book itself required a lot of research, as well as a keen eye for editing, and an overarching awareness of being sensitive to the cultures and origins of each story.
2. What are you looking for in a story that merits publication?
When I read a story, I'm looking for one that is: first and foremost, appealing to children (my own kids are my "Chief Product Officers" and all the books we've published have had their seal of approval). After that, I look for stories that are relevant to diversity, representation, culture, respect for nature, our (human) relationships with nature, values formation, and history. And last but not the least, of course, beautiful illustrations that catch the eye, and ignite and inspire!
3. Please recommend three books that “we” MUST read now (during the pandemic)
3 Kado Books? :) I highly recommend our Happyland series' first 3 books:
1. Slow Down Smiley
2. Softly Slammy
3. Keep It Real Katie
These books are about the fruits of the spirit and values formation, giving kids the tools to practice: self-control, gentleness and kindness, and honesty. Another important reason I think they're so special is because they were created and illustrated by Vidal Tan - an autistic adult with a love for painting. These stories not only provide Vidal with work during this difficult pandemic season, but the proceeds also go to the Autism Society. Vidal and I were classmates in preschool - we are both alumni of ELC (Early Learning Center) of Nina Yuson, and I just would love to continue to amplify his amazing work and wonderful imagination.
Outside of Kado books, though, I do think that some of my personal favorite adult reads lately have been:
1. The Book of Joy (The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu) (for encouragement in Pandemic Times)
2. Asian Place Filipino Nation (Nicole CuUnjieng Aboitiz) (for a peek at the past to better understand the present and the future; also important for us to be thinking about nation building as we lead up to the elections)
3. The Anthropocene Review (John Green) (for an introspective yet pleasant, and light-hearted look at our world at this precise, unique, tiny moment in time).
Follow them @kadopublishing on Instagram and Facebook. You may purchase their books at https://www.kadopublishing.com/shop.
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