Quick Asks on the State of Philippine Children's Literature

 This one is a request from my dear friend, Carla Pacis who will give a talk in the UP College of Education on Children's Literature.

1.   Please describe briefly, in your opinion, the state of Philippine Children’s Literature today?

Taking a good look at the production of books during the pandemic years and in the post pandemic times (which is “the now”), three movements are worth noting of:

a.   the publication of stories and books about LGBTQ+, genre fiction especially historical fiction, mental health, diversity and inclusion, regional language and delicate topics/sensitive issues continue to be written about

b.   the rise in self-publication or self-publishing like zines and comics; teacher made story books c/o DepEd initiatives and Filipino writers breaking into international publications

c.    concerted effort of book industry stakeholders to develop and grow PH Children’s Literature

2.   What still needs to be done?

a.   Continual growth and development through book fairs, identifying channels of distribution beyond circles and bubbles of those who have access to books and learning materials; panels and talks; workshops and residency

b.   RESEARCH in Philippine Children’s Literature

c.    College course in the study, documentation and archiving of PH Children’s Literature

d.   A library concentrated for PH Children’s Library Services

3.   What kind of books are still needed? What kind of books are you looking for?

a.   Poetry

b.   More, more novels

c.    Non-fiction books for K-12 or information and concept books for K-12