Happy 2025! As I mentioned in The Inspiring Bee, if January is any indicator of the rest of this year, it will be a challenging one for all of us. As a picture book creator, it’s hard to not venture into the world of politics when books are being banned to erase history. It’s been happening for a long time. Many generations have been raised without awareness of slavery, colonialism and annihilation of indigenous people and loss of their land. But continuing to share picture books about diverse cultures and perspectives is one way to stand up against it, which is why I’m excited to share this beautiful debut picture book featured in my local library.
Rachell Abalos’s picture book Our Nipa Hut: A Story in the Philippines illustrated beautifully by Gabriela Larios and published by Barefoot Books, is told through the eyes of a nipa hut, which is defined by the author in the back of the book as, “[a] stilt house made from bamboo and nipa palm leaves.” To me it is symbolic of the strength of the people who live in it. The huts ability to withstand strong storms by flexing to the wind is like family who come together and can bend in the wind of change and hardship. It is simple and yet strong. A beloved protector who is treated as one of their family.
The illustrations are bold and vivid hopeful like the story itself. Words and pictures are so detailed, it gives readers a vicarious experience of being inside the hut.
The back matter provides information about the Philippines. Filipino words are sprinkled throughout the book and there is even information on climate change and how it’s worsening tropical storms. This is an impressive debut picture book and I am so happy that it’s out in the world.
