Vivid Society NY

by M.Regan

On April 5, 2025 – During Philippine National Literature Month, the Sentro Rizal New York and the Philippine Consulate General in New York organized a Sari-Sari Storytime event. This gathering was a collaboration between Sentro Rizal New York and the Philippine Consulate General, along with The Georgiou Library of New York University, Sulo: The Philippine Studies Initiative @ NYU, Bakás Pilipinas, The Filipino School of NY/NJ, and Sari-Sari Storybooks.

Christina Newhard, publisher and author of “Kalipay,” together with Hanna Usman, the writer of “Jalal and the Lake,” hosted a book reading for the audience.

Kalipay is about a young girl who loves to daydream but deals with a bully. She meets Gamay, an extraordinary friend who stands up to the bully, Juan. Despite Gamay’s unusual features, Kalipay is intrigued, and they learn that friendship can bridge differences and bring joy. The book is available in English and Cebuano.

“Jalal and the Lake” tells the story of a young boy named Jalal. In his small village, the community values and takes pride in their large, beautiful lake. Everyone admires it, except for Jalal. He is indifferent to the lake, its treasures, and the aspirations of the villagers. His only desire is to own the magical, fluffy clouds in the sky. When enigmatic visitors come to the village and offer to grant his wish, Jalal realizes the importance of the lake to his community.

Kalipay, Jalal and the Lake and other wonderful books published by Sari-Sari Storybooks are available for purchase here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SariSariStorybooks

Tags:#FilipinoAmerican #Storytelling #NYC #FilipinoChildrensBook #FilipinoCulture #DiversityInLiterature #KidsBooks #RepresentationMatters #LiteraryDiversity #FilipinoHeritage #ChildrensLiterature #NYCAuthors #FilipinoStories #CulturalStories #InclusiveReading #FamilyStories #ReadToKids #BookRecommendations #Storytime