I never realized how enjoyable and adventurous a childhood without electricity, television, and phones could be. That was my life back then. Imagine living that way, completely cut off from the internet.

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My family and I made our home on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. As a rugged kid, I crafted slingshots and honed my aim every day. We often shot at bats, which would harmlessly fly back to their trees and fall asleep. I spent my time playing with spiders, snakes, and giant beetles, and climbing coconut trees. Climbing was my specialty, and I never fell. However, during a race, my cousin fell from a tree (a reminder to always climb carefully). Luckily, he lived to tell the story. On clear nights, we would sit under the stars, gazing and wondering if aliens existed on other stars or planets. I loved telling ghost stories to my siblings and cousins. One of my favorites was about a ghost wandering the nearby cemetery at midnight, searching for her lost love. I found joy in scaring them. At other times, I would hide among the sugar cane behind our house to write poetry in peace.

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My lola (grandmother) lived with us and played a significant role in our lives. She enthralled us with stories of ancient creatures with magical powers, igniting our curiosity about fairies, witches, and dimensional worlds. She also taught us interesting superstitions, filling my life with imagination and wonder. I love my Lola with all my heart.

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After leaving home, I traveled the world with the U.S. Air Force and then taught children from pre-K to fifth grade as a substitute teacher. Teaching reignited my love for storytelling, leading me to try my hand at writing children's books. I have published four books so far, with a chapter book on the way. The three Hugz and His Friend Bugz books, vibrant and playful, teach preschoolers about numbers, colors, and the alphabet.

 

Bodbod's Ghosts, a beautifully illustrated book for early readers, presents a charming mystery that helps children cope with the fear of sleeping alone in the dark and is used by some teachers to teach inferences. My upcoming fantasy and mystery chapter book, Tina and the Giant the Borrower’s Cave, introduces Filipino culture and mythology.

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Writing for kids is just one part of what I love to do. I also support early learning by providing books for book fairs, classrooms, and families in need. Early learning ignites the imagination, enhances creativity, and better prepares children for future opportunities. I encourage you to join me in this endeavor. Support early learning. Give a child a book.