12 Filipino Children’s Books That Help You Teach the Big Lessons

Your child comes home from school, sad because a classmate wouldn't share a toy. You want to explain fairness and kindness, but where do you begin? You can start with a story. The right Filipino children's books turn these meaningful moments into valuable lessons in empathy, supporting your child's development. 

In fact, a 2025 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that reading books about social topics, such as sharing and helping, actually makes children kinder. The stories help develop a child's ability to understand others' feelings, which in turn leads them to be more helpful and caring.  

Check out the list of books below, which includes books for toddlers, preschoolers, and older children to find the perfect story for every stage.  

This charming board book shows a simple, relatable problem for little ones: when two people want the same thing. Through sweet illustrations, Hati Tayo! helps you gently introduce the concept of sharing and fairness to your toddler.  

Perfect for: Ages 0 to 3 

Mga Pasahero sa Dyip takes your child on a jeepney ride and introduces them to the different kinds of people they can meet on a single trip. This slice-of-life story is a wonderful way to foster your child’s observation skills and appreciation for community. 

Perfect for: Ages 0 to 3 

This book, from the popular “Dee the Bee” series, teaches your preschooler that it’s okay to feel scared. But bravery allows them to have fun and try new things. 

Perfect for: Ages 2 to 5 

Through his good deeds and positive attitude, the carabao can help you show your child the importance of truth, compassion, and getting along with others. 

Plus, each page integrates a counting element from 1 to 13, developing early math skills along with character-building in your child. 

Perfect for: Ages 2 to 5 

This story helps you teach your child about the power of teamwork. Through the unlikely friendship of a shrimp and a goby fish, it shows how two very different friends can use their unique traits to become stronger together.  

Perfect for: Ages 3 to 7 

Lesson: Gratitude and appreciation for simple joys 

This award-winning story follows a young child’s exciting trip to the market with their mother, capturing the vibrant sights and sounds of a bustling palengke. The story can help your child realize that love isn’t just about toys or treats—it’s found in shared moments and small acts of care. 

Perfect for: Ages 4 to 7 

If your family lives abroad, you'll see your own experience in this heartwarming story about a summer visit from a beloved lola from the Philippines. It demonstrates how family bonds are strengthened by shared traditions, from the scent of mango jam to the sound of Tagalog songs.  

You can use this book to talk about cherishing every moment you have with loved ones who live far away. 

Perfect for: Ages 4 to 8  

This classic story follows three mischievous children who waste water, destroy plants, and litter without a second thought. Through a memorable lesson from the enchantress, Emang Engkantada, your preschooler will learn about the direct consequences of their actions. 

Perfect for: Ages 4 to 8 

9. Papa’s House, Mama's House

By Jeanette Patindol, illustrated by Mark Ramsel N. Salvatus III 

Lesson: Navigating family separation with love and reassurance 

Papa’s House, Mama's House helps parents to start conversations and validate your child’s feelings in a co-parenting setup. 

Told from the voice of a child, Jeanette Patindol’s story describes the experience of living in two separate homes—one with Mama and one with Papa. It reassures children that even though their parents live apart, the love they receive is whole, constant, and unchanging.  

Perfect for: Ages 4 to 8  

10. Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin

By Bernadette Villanueva Neri, illustrated by CJ de Silva 

Lesson: Family diversity and acceptance 

If you want to talk about different kinds of families, this groundbreaking story is the perfect place to start. It helps you introduce the concept of a loving family with two mothers, using the beautiful symbol of a garden as their nurturing home. It’s a warm and affirming story about love and family. 

Perfect for: Ages 5 to 8 

11. Isang Harding Papel

By Augie Rivera, illustrated by Rommel Joson 

Lesson: Hope, resilience, and love in the face of separation 

Set during the difficult period of martial law, this poignant story follows a young girl named Jenny, who has been separated from her mother. While waiting for her mom to come home, Jenny creates a garden of paper flowers—a touching symbol of her enduring love and hope.  

It’s a powerful yet gentle way to introduce your child to a difficult period in Philippine history, focusing on the strength of family bonds amidst injustice.

Perfect for: Ages 8 to 12 

12. The Magic Arrow 

By Bonet Banal, illustrated by Korinne Banal 

Lesson: The importance of freedom of expression and courage 

At first, you might think this is just a fairytale about a king who forbids colorful books and laughter. But as you read, you’ll discover it’s a powerful allegory for an important chapter in Philippine history, inspired by the sacrifice of Ninoy Aquino. You can use this story to discuss oppression, courage, and the importance of protecting personal freedoms with your older child. 

Perfect for: Ages 8 to 12 

How to Use These Books to Teach Life Lessons 

The story is just the start. Here’s how to relate the lessons to your child. 

• Ask questions after reading, like, “What would you have done in that story?”
• Connect the story’s message to a real family experience or something they see every day.
• Live the lesson by pointing out examples of the value (like bravery or compassion) in your own everyday actions. 

These educational books use valuable moral stories and relatable characters to spark important conversations that help your child’s development. By choosing Filipino children's books, you also connect your child to their own culture. 

Ultimately, these stories can help your child discuss their feelings, develop character, and learn life skills. The best part? You can find many of these children's books at your favorite local and online bookstores. 

What's your family's favorite children’s book? Share your recommendations with other parents in the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group.