Children’s books are among a child’s first gateways to fantasy. They present tales from wonderlands, stories of bravery, and convey values like kindness, honesty, perseverance, and respect. Apart from being a great source of entertainment for little ones, the genre also helps children develop their vocabulary and reading skills, while stimulating their imagination through illustrations.

Not everyone knows that a lot of thought goes into creating children’s and young adult literature. To spotlight the hard work Filipino creatives put into making such meaningful reading materials, the International Board on Books for Young People–Philippines (IBBY-PH) organized the Severino Reyes Medal, a literary award that honors creative excellence in Filipino children’s and young adult literature.

Named after beloved playwright and storyteller Severino Reyes, the creator of “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang,” the award is now on its second year. It is organized in collaboration with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and professional librarian organizations including the Philippine Librarians Association Inc. (PLAI), Association of Librarians in the Public Sector (ALPS), and the Philippine Association of School Librarians Inc. (PASLI).

“Nakikisilong” by author Eljay Castro Deldoc, illustrated by Richard Red C. Elli and published by Southern Voices Printing Press, was named Best Storybook. Meanwhile, “Sa Iisang Batya” by Christopher Rosales and illustrator Rommel Joson, published by Brilliant Creations Publishing, won Best Picture Book.

Although writing Filipino children’s stories isn’t new for Eljay, Nakikisilong marks his first published book. One of the principles he keeps in mind when creating stories is to never underestimate the comprehension capacity of young readers—something he learned from author Eugene Evasco. He applied this philosophy in “Nakikisilong.”

“I-tap ‘yung kanilang inner child (Tap into your inner child),” Eljay shared with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle when asked what advice he would give to those interested in children’s literature. “Kahit naman mag-mature tayo, mag-adulting tayo, meron pa ring bata sa loob natin. At kapag ‘yun ang pinagkuwento natin, maiintindihan tayo ng mga bata

(Even as we mature and enter adulthood, there’s still a child within us. And when we let that inner child tell the story, children will understand us).”

Author Krie R. Lopez’s “Oha: A Story Told in One Eternal Second,” with illustrations by Mikke Gallardo under Milflores Publishing, won in the Young Adult Literature category. A special citation was also awarded to author Mon Sy, illustrator Ara Villena, and their publisher Adarna House for “Mga Tagapagtanggol ng Lupang Ninuno,” a moving tribute to the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines and their deep ties to land, culture, and language.

Also included among this year’s honorees are selected titles in the Best Storybook category, such as “Pretty Peach,” “Si Mallaki at sa Tarumpu,” “Maria Sibol: Ang Natatanging Batang Diwata,” and Robin: Ang Nakakulong na Ibon.”

“Si Kamatis Inis (The Grumbling Tomato),” “Love na Love ni Lola Ang Lila (Grandma Loves Violet),” “A Whale In Prison,” and “Kaub-ofuden Shin Lijang Utah: The Legend of the Utah Cave” are part of the Best Picture Book category. Rounding up the list are the selection for for the Young Adult Book category: “I Highly Nominate,” “Folktales From A Kalinga Village,” “Out of Touch, Out of Time,” and “The Struggle is Real.”

Beyond honoring authors and illustrators, the Severino Reyes Medal also recognized Christine Bellen-Ang, who has dedicated over 30 years to studying Severino’s “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.” Through her work, Lola Basyang—the author’s iconic grandmother storyteller—became a fixture in modern pop culture, appearing in TV, ballet, theater, and beyond.

Christine noted that the award ceremony on May 21, 2025 at the NLP came at a perfect time, as “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” celebrates its centennial anniversary the following day. She shared that “Ang Plautin ni Periking,” considered the first “Lola Basyang” story, was published on May 22, 1925, in Liwayway Magazine.

“Very wild ‘yung imagination niya, pero siyempre, may mga biases din siya (His imagination is very wild, but of course, he also has his biases),” Christine tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “He is very Catholic, ‘yung moral ng stories niya ay ina-uplift ’yung moral values ng family. Kaya rin siguro nag-transend ‘yung mga stories na ito sa contemporary time (He is very Catholic, and the moral of his stories usually aims to uplift the moral values of the family. That’s probably also why these stories continue to transcend into contemporary times).”

Lola Basyang was inspired by Gervacia Guzman de Zamora, also known as “Tandang Basyang,” Severino’s neighbor. One night, Reyes was invited to dinner at her home. He saw her sitting in a rocking chair, chewing betel nut, and sharing stories with her grandchildren. That moment sparked the creation of the character who would go on to narrate around 400 stories published in Liwayway Magazine.