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Sundays with Lola

Sundays with Lola

Philippine myths for little ones, in English and Tagalog

Picture books for ages 3 to 7 about a lola from Manila and her three grandkids in Queens, New York. One creature from Philippine folklore in every book, and Tagalog words on every page.

Lola (LOH-lah) means grandma in Tagalog.

Meet the creaturesSee the books
Lola in her blue sampaguita dress and woven shawl, standing with her grandkids Kuya, Didi and Chun, who are waving
  • LolaTiny, silver bun, round glasses, and a story for everything.
  • Kuya, 6Shy and book-smart. Braver in books than in real life.
  • Didi, 4Sings everything. Always has the best outfit.
  • Chun, 3The family comedian. Everyone on Roosevelt Avenue waves at Chun.
A friendly manananggal with a red hibiscus in her hair, flying on indigo bat wings, in linocut style

Lola's Book of Creatures

“When I was a girl in Manila, every grown-up had a story about something hiding in the trees, under the stairs or up in the night sky. Don't worry. Most of them are more silly than scary.”

Lola

A free guide to the creatures of Philippine folklore: what each one is, where its story comes from, how to say its name, and how to stay on its good side.

Open the Book of Creatures
Shape-shifterManananggalThe manananggal is a Filipino folklore creature who, at night, leaves her legs behind and flies off on bat wings.Spooky
Shape-shifterAswangThe aswang is a shape-shifter from Filipino folklore who looks like an ordinary neighbor by day and turns into a big black dog, pig or bird at night.Spooky
Sea or sky creatureBakunawaThe bakunawa is a giant sea serpent from Filipino folklore who loves the moon so much that he tries to swallow it, which is how the old stories explain an eclipse.Spooky
House and nature spiritTikbalangThe tikbalang is a very tall trickster from Filipino folklore with the head of a horse, who likes to lead travelers in circles until they're lost.Spooky
GiantKapreThe kapre is a gentle tree giant from Filipino folklore who lives in big old trees, with leaves and fireflies in his long beard.Spooky
House and nature spiritNuno sa PunsoThe nuno sa punso is a tiny old man from Filipino folklore who lives in anthills and gets cranky if you disturb his home.Spooky

What's in every book

  • One creature from Philippine folklore

    Told the way Lola heard it in Manila: spooky-funny, never gory, and true to the old stories.

  • Tagalog on every page

    Real words in the story and a glossary with pronunciation at the back. You don't need to speak Tagalog to read it aloud.

  • One brave step

    Shy Kuya tries one brave thing, and Lola names one Filipino value, like paggalang: respect.

The books

Paperback picture books, coming soon to Amazon.

Questions parents ask

What ages are the books for?
Ages 3 to 7. Each book is written to be read aloud at bedtime, with a joke or two for the grown-up doing the reading.
Do I need to speak Tagalog?
No. Every Tagalog word is explained in the story, and the glossary at the back shows how to say it. If you grew up hearing Tagalog, it may sound a lot like home.
Are the creatures too scary for little kids?
They're spooky-funny, never gory. Lola's manananggal mostly wants her legs back. The few creatures that are too spooky for little ones stay out of Lola's books.
Is the Book of Creatures free?
Yes. Every entry is free to read, with no ads.

Why Lola?

Kids who grow up far from the Philippines still have a lola's stories waiting for them. These books carry them across the ocean: the creatures, the words, and the little rules, like saying tabi tabi po when you pass an anthill.

About Sundays with Lola