During my formative years, I was hooked on reading the children's books of Nick Joaquin, a Filipino author. The five books that I reread countless of times were part of the Pop Stories for Groovy Kids - Green Series. These five books came in beautiful editions; the illustrations where actually paintings rendered by a different artist for each book.
I can still recall the titles of these five books. Lilit Bulilit and the Babe in the Womb tells the story of a girl who eats unborn babies not wanted by their mothers. By helping these pregnant women get rid of these helpless babies, Lilit appears to be doing the mothers a huge favor.
Another Nick Joaquin book that I love is The Hamiling Mystery, which is the author's take on the story of the pied piper of Hamelin. In The Hamiling Mystery, the townsfolk regret their decision of hiring a magician to bring back the children stolen from them several years ago. They breathe a sigh of relief when these children are taken from them again.
Other books in the series are Johnny Tinoso and the Proud Beauty, Joaquin's version of the story "Beauty and the Beast"), How Love Came to Juan Tamad (about a Filipino fictional character who's as lazy as hell), and Sarimanok versus Ibong Adarna (about two Philippine mythical creatures).
Unfortunately, these books were lost when we moved during the 1990s. I've tried looking for new editions in bookstores and even the same editions in secondhand bookstores without much success. If any of you, dear reader, know where I can get them, please tell me. I will be forever indebted to you.
10 comments:
My favorite Nick Joaquin was a Cinderella story entitled "Elang Uling." It was a giant story book that I read at least once a week at our school library. Never saw a copy again after that.
Where can I find these Nick Joaquin books, Blooey?
Have you tried writing to the publishers? Or the trust handling Nick Joaquin's intellectual property rights now? Maybe they can be reprinted. It's important that our children read these stories, part of our heritage as Filipinos. I'd love copies as well, for myself and my son!
Just emailed the children's and Filipiniana book buyers at Fully Booked asking for help tracking down copies of these books - I used to work there so they're still friends of mine :) Will let you know as soon as they reply!
Hi Lya! Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it.
I have no idea! Ive been look for them for years!
Wow, and I thought I was the only one who remembered the green and red series! :D
Those books were the greatest for me when I was a kid and its sad that they don't have those anymore. My cousin in the States said that it's hard for her to find any decent book on Philippines folklore, especially one that reflects our culture (she grew up confused about our heritage).
Still have these in my mom's basement and a couple of my favorites in my house, but obviously we're not about to give them away. The publisher was Mr. and Ms. I understand they didn't make money from this, but times have changed, and I think there'd be a more demand for them today. If second graders can read Harry Potter they can appreciate this series.
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