5 Banger Filipino Books for Kids That Parents Will Love Too

As Filipino parents raising kids abroad, we all want to pass down our culture, language, and traditions. But let’s be real—sometimes, it’s a challenge. With everything around them in English, how do we make learning about the Philippines fun and engaging for our kids?

The answer: books.

Filipino children’s books are a fantastic way to introduce our little ones to our heritage. Whether it’s learning traditional songs, counting in Tagalog, or discovering the myths and fables we grew up with, these books make Filipino culture exciting and accessible.

Here are five absolute bangers that will not only entertain your kids but might just teach you something new too.

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1. "Bahay Kubo" – A Classic Filipino Song Turned Storybook

If you grew up in a Filipino household, chances are you know the song Bahay Kubo by heart. It’s a childhood staple—a catchy tune that lists various vegetables grown in the Philippines. But did you ever stop to think about the meaning behind it?

This book takes the well-loved song and brings it to life with beautiful illustrations. It introduces kids to traditional Filipino vegetables like talong (eggplant), sitaw (string beans), and singkamas (jicama) in a fun and colorful way.

Why parents will love it:

• It teaches kids about Filipino food and agriculture.
• It’s a great way to introduce Tagalog vocabulary in a natural and memorable way.
• It brings a sense of nostalgia—you’ll probably find yourself singing along as you read.

Bonus tip: After reading, take your kids on a mini adventure at the local Asian market and try to find some of the veggies mentioned in the book!

Get "Bahay Kubo" here

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2. "Wika 6: Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo" – A Fun Way to Learn Numbers in Filipino

Before I got my hands on this book, I could only count to three in Filipino. Isa, dalawa, tatlo… and that’s it. But now? I’m up to ocho! Ocho, ocho!

If you want your kids to learn numbers in Filipino, this book is the perfect way to do it. It’s designed as a board book, making it great for little hands, and it introduces numbers in a simple, engaging way.

Why parents will love it:

• Perfect for bilingual learning—even if you don’t speak Tagalog fluently, this book makes it easy to practice.
• Repetition helps with memorization—by reading this book often, kids will naturally absorb the numbers.
• A great start to learning more complex words—once they’ve mastered numbers, they’ll be more confident in learning other Filipino words.

Try quizzing your kids throughout the day—"How many bananas do we have? Apat? Lima?"—and watch as they pick up the language naturally.

Get "Wika 6: Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo" here

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3. "Mga Hayop sa Filipinas" – Learn About the Adorable (and Wild) Animals of the Philippines

When I was a kid, my mom would call me “hayop” whenever I was acting up. I thought it was an insult. Turns out, it just means "animal." Who knew?

This book introduces kids to the amazing wildlife of the Philippines. From tarsiers to carabaos to Philippine eagles, it showcases the unique animals found in our homeland, all with beautiful, kid-friendly illustrations.

Why parents will love it:

• It sparks curiosity about Filipino wildlife and nature.
• The adorable illustrations make it fun for kids of all ages.
• It’s a great way to teach Tagalog words in a way that sticks.

Next time you visit the Philippines, your kids might just be able to spot and name these animals in the wild!

Get "Mga Hayop sa Filipinas" here

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4. "Filipino Children’s Favorite Stories" – A Collection of Legendary Filipino Tales

This one? A banger.

I picked up this book thinking I’d already know most of the stories inside. I was wrong. It’s packed with myths, fables, and folk tales that even I had never heard before.

From clever trickster stories to magical diwatas (fairies), this book is a treasure trove of Filipino storytelling. If you want your kids to grow up knowing the same legends that have been passed down for generations, this book is a must-have.

Why parents will love it:

• It introduces kids to Filipino mythology and folklore.
• The stories are short, making them perfect for bedtime reading.
• The artwork is stunning—it adds a whole new level to the storytelling experience.

If you’ve ever struggled to find non-Western fairy tales for your kids, this is the book you’ve been looking for.

Get "Filipino Children’s Favorite Stories" here

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5. "Araw sa Palengke" – Teaching Kids the Art of Haggling

If you’ve ever been to a Filipino market, you know the golden rule: Always ask for a discount.

This book takes kids on a fun adventure through a traditional palengke (market), teaching them about different stalls, fresh produce, and—of course—the art of haggling. Pa tawad po!

Why parents will love it:

• It gives kids a taste of Filipino daily life and culture.
• It helps them understand how markets work—great for early money lessons.
• It’s a nostalgic trip for parents who grew up visiting the palengke with their own families.

If you want to bring a little piece of the Philippines into your home, this book is a great way to do it.

Get "Araw sa Palengke" here

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Final Thoughts: Start Your Kid’s Filipino Book Collection Today!

Whether you’re raising a fully bilingual child or just looking for ways to sprinkle in more Filipino culture at home, these books are the perfect place to start.

They’re fun, engaging, and full of lessons that will stay with your kids for life. And let’s be real—you’ll probably enjoy them just as much as they do.

So what are you waiting for? Start building your kid’s Filipino book collection today!

Visit www.hottropiks.com for more Filipino children’s books!