Connecting with Creators

Newsletter #37

Filipino American International Book Festival

A couple weeks ago I attended the 7th Annual Filipino American International Book Festival in San Francisco, a 2-day event of literary panels, speakers, readings, and marketplace. My hope was to meet picture book writers and illustrators in person, reconnect with novelists I already knew, and continue to make connections with others in the industry. Before the event I made plans with a group of kidlit creators to have brunch on Sunday at Abacá as well.

Diversity in Children’s Literature: Teaching Our Many Cultures panel with Faith Kazmi, Rev Valdez, Jenn Estacio, Kathryn Serrano, Marielle Navasca Atanacio, Kharyl Anne Bugaoisan Piano, and Mila Bongco-Philipzig.

Writing for Young Readers: Finding Home & Belonging panel with Christina Newhard, Justine Villanueva, Mae Respicio, Rachell Abalos, Lynnor Bontigao, and Stephanie Ellen Sy.

Countering Dominant Narratives panel with Rod Pulido, Janine Joseph, Jenny Odell, Theodore Gonzalves, and Karen Llagas.

Leading the Way: Filipinx in Publishing, Bookselling & Literary Organizations with Edwin Lozada, Aileen Cassinetto, Jason Bayani, Jhoanna Belfer, and Lily Prijoles.

With every interaction I felt inspired by the passion and work each person was doing. Their efforts toward getting our stories heard, whether through poetry, essays, self-publication, small presses, book selling, or traditional publication, felt authentic and empowering. Because we share a common goal and the similar struggles that go along with it, everyone seemed to appreciate whatever way we chose to pursue this goal. Being around creators, consumers, and book lovers felt uplifting, supportive, and motivating to me.

I spent much of the weekend having conversations with these authors and illustrators about the writing industry, literary agents, book promotion, teaching elementary school, current projects, and future writing retreats. Talking with them was the highlight of my weekend. I finally met in person picture book creators Lynnor Bontigao, Stephanie Ellen Sy, and Rachell Abalos. Tigz from Canada illustrated a fantastic activity book called HOY and also teaches 2nd grade. It's always nice to see again Mia Manansala who I met at Highlights in May and Bay Area authors Mae Respicio and Randy Ribay.

2023 Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division

Book Report: LOLO’S SARI-SARI STORE

Written by Sophia N. Lee

Illustrated by Christine Almeda

The first half of this sweet story tells about the special relationship a girl has with her Lolo in the Philippines while they help others in their community with items like soap, hot pan de sal, rice, and more importantly, a listening ear or a much-needed meal. We learn how important sari-sari stores are to the neighbors. The second half of this book shows the contrast the girl feels when apart from Lolo in her new home in America, whose streets seem to be quiet and missing the love from her grandfather. Through memories and reflection, she begins to find ways to show generosity and care in her new neighborhood to bring the spirit of Lolo to her new home. The author Sophia captures the theme of helping your community throughout the story, and the illustrator Christine uses bright colors for the sari-sari store in the Philippines and a more subdued color palette to show the environment in America. There is much love and hope in the way we see the girl adjust to living in a different country and know she carries Lolo’s lessons within her heart.

Themes: community, love, empathy, family, generosity, immigration

Discussion Ideas:

1. What does it mean to need a bit of sweetness from time to time? Share examples from both the book and your life.

2. Lolo asks, “What help can you give your community?” How does this help the girl adjust to her new home? Why do you think her actions make her feel better?

Mentor Text For:

• vivid adjectives

• descriptive adverbs

• strong verbs

• dialogue

• figurative language

Buy the book to support Filipino creators during Filipino American History Month!

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

I love the way the illustrator uses the gutter of the book to divide the reality her home in America and her memories of Lolo and his sari-sari store. The cooler colors reflect her sadness as she remembers the happier memories of the Philippines that are shown with a warm and bright palette.

Weekly Progress Report

This is a section for “stuff I did” that relates to my writing career. I believe in celebrating all wins, big and small alike.

• formatted the next batch of newsletters

• critiqued 3 stories

• met with online critique group

• revised a manuscript and sent it to agent

• visited several indie book stores

• chatted about the writing industry with an agency sister

Sending you courage and grace in all you choose to do,

Susan