Reading English Tagalog Books by Hiyas OMF Literature

Reading and a love for books is strongly encouraged in our home. Though I know that it’s not for everyone I still like to encourage the kids to read when they can. Jael loves to read and has started a collection of his own having Goosebumps, Horrid Henry and The Magic School Bus books. Reading in English is a breeze for Jael but in Tagalog that’s a whole another story. He is gaining bit by bit and learning more words while trying to use it naturally in conversation.

That’s why Hiyas OMF Literature books are such a treat because they have books written in Filipino with parallel English translations. We took an afternoon to read some where I read the English translation and he read the Tagalog side.

Hiyas, OMF Literature’s imprint for children’s books, assists parents by publishing material that help children form healthy habits and grow in godly character. Hiyas offers a wide selection of books on different topics, ranging from books on values and health to Bible stories and activity books.

Bee Helpful

Dee the Bee series by Joyce Piap-Go and illustrated by Maria Cristina Sison (Php100)

The 7th book in the Dee the Bee series that teaches values and life skills, Jael was already familiar with it. For Christmas he had asked for books for their gift exchange and was given the Bee Healthy book.

You think that the values and life skills in these books should be automatic but kids need a good reminder and it’s always better to give them a clear understanding on why certain things should be done, how they can be done and what they can expect from it. We can’t expect kids to assume these things as they’re still very impressionable especially at an early age. They pattern and if they’re not taught or guided they’ll just do what others see not knowing if it’s right or wrong but thinking that’s how it’s done.

Dirty ’Yan, Judy Ann! (That’s Dirty, Judy Ann!)

by pediatrician and writer Luis “Tito Dok” Gatmaitan (Php100)

The 2nd book on a series on health for preschoolers, I enjoyed reading this immensley with Jael. Every time we got to the line “Dirty ‘yan, Judy Ann” we would scream it together. Focusing on health and hygiene issues it was the perfect opportunity to impress on certain facts that I know Jael might be doing. Things like washing his hands. going to the toilet in school and playing and holding things when he’s outdoors. I even did a trail of germs story for him so he can understand just how dirty and dangerous it was to touch things and where those germs could lead!

Dyaran! Ang Kambal na Hebigat! (Tada! The Heavyweight Twins!)

by pediatrician and writer Luis “Tito Dok” Gatmaitan (Php120)

I never understood why in the Filipino culture being fat meant being healthy and cute. It doesn’t. That mindframe actually sets up a child for failure ensuring he has obesity and problems with his health later in life. Proper weight and nutrition are given focus in this book.

There’s even a Q&A with Tito Dok on obesity and nutrition and tips on how to avoid obesity. Hopefully, more parents become aware of this and discourage overweight kid stars.

PTC today and Jael is doing good. Still needs to work on his Filipino though so we read a few @omflit books that have Tagalog and English translations. These books are really helpful especially when read line by line in both languages for a better understanding. #reading #omflit #omfliterature #omfbooks #bookstagram #book #booklover #avidreader #reader #readersofinstagram

A post shared by Louisa of Art of Being a Mom (@olskj) on Jan 27, 2018 at 2:43am PST

All three titles are available at National Book Store, OMF Lit Bookshop, Passages, and other leading bookstores nationwide. The books can also be ordered online through passagesbooks.com.