Author of Filipino-Canadian descent marks culture and language with an intricate children's book.

My Everyday Tagalog, a recently published picture book about the complex language of Tagalog, written by a Filipino-Canadian author, Carlos Cabaneros! Tagalog is not as widely known as languages that are taught in schools today, such as Spanish, Chinese, and English for those who have English as a second language. Disparities in access to learning Tagalog, sadly, put themselves on full display because of this.

Now, with a childhood story, experiences, and inspiration, Cabaneros offers his part to help the cause. His children's book, My Everyday Tagalog, ties all of these details together to form a story-telling, colorful, and educational picture book! In an informative and wholesome interview with Canada's CBC News, his thorough and full inspiration is detailed on how My Everyday Tagalog Words came to be.

A very easy to understand and colorful view of the Tagalog language flourishes in this picture book by colorful backgrounds, clothes, as well as letting words such as "Damo" and "Grass", translations of each other, to be distinguished. Big pictures and the simplicity of each page form the easy understanding of the book - for young children - while educating them. Each page includes a clear Tagalog-English translation, pronunciation, and example sentences that can be used daily to enhance the chance of retaining knowledge.

Embellishing the hope that his book will "reach the kids, children and youth, that wants to learn the language", he mentions that he also yearns for "parents that want their kids to connect with their background/culture/roots" to invest their time into his book. 3rd Grade Cabaneros was welcomed with a friendly greeting, but pondered how to make himself, and other students his age, even more welcome in his community.

His story and recollection of two childhood friends decorate the picture book from any other educational book into a book that welcomes those who will read it, into their own culture. Nathan and John, two characters presented, pose in real situations where someone may not be able to speak fluent Tagalog, but the other character (or other person, in reality) will be there to help them and remind that they are learning.

A finishing point mentioned by Cabaneros: knowing a few words in another language could lead to a long friendship. He hopes to let others build friendships or those with friendships emblazon them. Learn more about him and watch the interview!

Interview: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1908156483518