5 Filipino Children's Books to Read This Undas: Stories of Family, Folklore, and Remembrance

Every Undas, children seem to have plenty of questions.

Bakit tayo pumupunta sa sementeryo? Bakit tayo nagsisindi ng kandila? Sino si Lola na hindi ko nakilala? Totoo ba ang tikbalang?

Some questions are easy to answer. Others need a little more thought, especially when we're talking about loved ones who have passed away.

Books can help us begin those conversations.

Whether you're preparing for a family cemetery visit or simply looking for something meaningful to read together over the long weekend, here are five Filipino children's books that explore family, remembrance, and the fascinating creatures of Philippine folklore.

We've also included a few simple reading activities you can try at home.

Undas and Filipino Folklore: What's the Difference?

Before choosing a book, it's helpful to explain two different traditions to children.

Undas, observed on November 1 and 2, is a time when Filipino families remember loved ones who have died. Many families visit cemeteries, offer flowers, light candles, pray, and share stories about relatives who are no longer with them.

Philippine folklore, meanwhile, includes stories about creatures such as the tikbalang, kapre, aswang, and nuno sa punso. These stories have been passed down through generations and reflect different beliefs, traditions, and ways of understanding the world.

Although spooky stories often become popular around Halloween and Undas, the two traditions are not the same.

For young children, we can introduce both in age-appropriate ways: Undas as a time for love and remembrance, and folklore as an opportunity to discover Filipino stories and cultural traditions.

Books About Family and Remembrance

1. What Makes a Family: Celebrating the Filipino Day of the Dead

Written by Eric Ruiz Roxas | Illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre

Publisher's recommended age: 2–5 years

This picture book follows siblings Pedrito and Pipay as they visit a cemetery during Undas.

Pipay wonders whether she and her brother are still a family after losing their parents. As they walk through the cemetery, Pedrito helps her see the many different families gathered to remember the people they love.

It's a gentle story about grief, belonging, and the idea that families can take different forms.

For children experiencing their first Undas without a grandparent or another loved one, the book can help start a meaningful conversation.

Why read it? It introduces the Filipino tradition of visiting the cemetery while reassuring children that family connections and memories remain important after someone dies.

Try asking your child:

• Bakit pumunta sina Pedrito at Pipay sa sementeryo?

• Ano ang ginagawa ng inyong pamilya tuwing Undas?

• Ano ang isang magandang alaala mo tungkol sa taong mahal mo?

Where to learn more: Lantana Publishing

Note: This is a relatively new publication, and availability in Philippine bookstores may vary.

Gentle Filipino Folklore Stories

2. Ang Tikbalang Kung Kabilugan ng Buwan

Written by Virgilio S. Almario | Illustrated by Kora Dandan-Albano

Recommended for ages 6 and above | Filipino with English translation

What happens when a tikbalang feels lonely?

Instead of presenting the tikbalang simply as a frightening creature, this picture book explores loneliness and the desire for friendship.

It's a wonderful way to introduce children to a familiar figure from Philippine folklore without relying entirely on scary stories.

The Filipino text also makes it useful for children learning the language, particularly those who understand more Filipino than they can confidently speak.

Why read it? Children can discover a mythical creature while practicing empathy, listening comprehension, and Filipino vocabulary.

Try asking your child:

• Bakit malungkot ang tikbalang?

• Ano ang maaari nating gawin kapag malungkot ang isang kaibigan?

• Kung makakausap mo ang tikbalang, ano ang itatanong mo?

Filipino words to learn: kabilugan, buwan, malungkot, kaibigan.

Where to learn more: Adarna House

3. Ma-Me-Mi-Mumu!

Written and illustrated by Jomike Tejido

Suggested ages: 7–9 years | Filipino and English

Many children go through a phase when they're afraid of monsters.

In Ma-Me-Mi-Mumu!, a young girl named Haya Sophia learns to face her fears with help from her grandfather, Lolo Nanding.

The story presents supernatural creatures with humor rather than relying only on frightening descriptions. It also includes illustrations of creatures from Philippine folklore.

This makes it a particularly interesting read for children who have started hearing stories about ghosts, monsters, and mysterious creatures from older cousins or classmates.

Why read it? It's an opportunity to talk about fear, imagination, and how stories can sometimes make unfamiliar things seem frightening.

Try asking your child:

• Ano ang kinatatakutan ni Haya Sophia?

• Paano siya tinulungan ng kanyang lolo?

• Ano ang ginagawa mo kapag natatakot ka?

Filipino words to learn: takot, tapang, lolo, nilalang.

Where to learn more: Ma-Me-Mi-Mumu! book information

4. Luis and the Enchanted Creatures

Written and illustrated by Marcy Dans Lee

Published by Adarna House | English

Luis encounters creatures from Philippine folklore, including the kapre and tikbalang.

But these creatures aren't quite what he expects. Instead of being purely frightening, they have amusing and unexpected qualities.

The book encourages readers to question first impressions and discover the humor in traditional stories.

Adarna House recommends this title for older readers, around age 10 and above. Parents of younger children may still consider it as a guided read-aloud, but should preview the book first.

Why read it? It introduces Philippine mythical creatures while encouraging children to think beyond appearances. You may also read along with our reader, Greta, in our YouTube channel:Luis and the Enchanted Creatures read-aloud.

Try asking your child:

• What did Luis expect the creatures to be like?

• Were they what he imagined?

• Why do you think people tell stories about mysterious creatures?

Where to learn more: Adarna House

5. Mga Nilalang na Kagila-Gilalas

Written by Edgar Calabia Samar | Illustrated by Filipino artists

Filipino | Best for older children and guided reading

For children who want to know more about the creatures they've heard about in stories, Mga Nilalang na Kagila-Gilalasoffers a deeper introduction to Philippine mythology and folklore.

The illustrated book features supernatural beings and figures from traditional beliefs, including the aswang, anito, diwata, and bathala.

Unlike the other titles on this list, this is more of an illustrated reference book than a picture-book story.

Some descriptions and illustrations may be unsettling for very young children. For preschoolers and early elementary readers, parents can select suitable pages and discuss them together.

Why read it? It's a useful starting point for older children interested in Philippine mythology, traditional beliefs, and the stories passed down through generations.

Try asking your child:

• Aling nilalang ang pinakainteresante para sa iyo?

• Saan mo unang narinig ang kuwento tungkol dito?

• Bakit kaya ipinapasa ang mga ganitong kuwento sa susunod na henerasyon?

Where to learn more: Pumplepie book listing

Bonus: Tabi Tabi Po! from Sundays with Lola

Suggested for ages 3–7 | English and Tagalog

The expression tabi-tabi po is familiar to many Filipino families.

Children may hear it when walking past large trees, grassy areas, or places that older relatives believe are inhabited by unseen beings.

This story from the Sundays with Lola series introduces the tradition through a young boy's encounter with a nuno sa punso.

It offers a lighthearted way to discuss respect, apologies, and Filipino cultural beliefs.

The story is also set in the Filipino diaspora, making it particularly interesting for families raising children outside the Philippines.

Why read it? It introduces a familiar Filipino expression and opens a conversation about paggalang, or respect.

Try asking your child:

• Kailan mo narinig ang salitang tabi-tabi po?

• Ano ang ibig sabihin ng paggalang?

• Paano tayo nagpapakita ng paggalang sa ibang tao?

  
  

Where to learn more: Sundays with Lola

Check the publisher's website for current book availability. The website also offers an illustrated guide to Philippine folklore creatures.

Which Book Should You Read First?

You don't need to buy or read every book on this list. Choose one that matches your child's age, interests, and comfort level.

For preschoolers, parents can always adapt the reading experience by using simpler explanations, focusing on illustrations, and allowing children to ask questions.

Three Simple Undas Reading Activities for Kids

Reading doesn't have to end when you close the book. Here are three activities that help children practice Filipino while learning about their culture.

1. Ang Aking Mahal sa Buhay

After reading a story about remembrance, invite your child to draw someone special.

It might be a grandparent, relative, or another loved one they want to remember.

Ask them to complete these sentences, with help if needed:

• Ang pangalan niya ay ________.

• Siya ay aking ________.

• Naaalala ko ang ________.

• Mahal ko siya dahil ________.

For children who are too young to write, let them dictate their answers while you write the words.

You can also use this activity to celebrate a living family member if your child isn't ready to discuss death.

2. Kilalanin ang Nilalang

After reading a folklore story, ask your child to draw one mythical creature.

Then describe it using Filipino words.

For example:

Tikbalang

• Matangkad

• Malakas

• May ulo ng kabayo

Encourage older children to write one or two complete sentences:

Ang tikbalang ay isang nilalang sa mga kuwentong-bayan ng Pilipinas.

Sa kuwentong binasa namin, ang tikbalang ay malungkot.

This helps children practice vocabulary, sentence construction, and reading comprehension.

3. Kuwento ni Lola o Lolo

Ask an older family member to share a story.

It can be a funny childhood memory, a family tradition, or a folktale they heard when they were young.

Then ask your child:

• Sino ang nagkuwento?

• Tungkol saan ang kuwento?

• Ano ang pinakanagustuhan mo?

Younger children can answer orally or through drawings. Older children can write a short paragraph.

This simple activity encourages listening, storytelling, and family connection.

How to Talk to Young Children About Death During Undas

For some children, Undas may be their first experience visiting a cemetery or hearing adults talk about someone who has died.

It's natural for them to ask questions.

When explaining death to young children, use simple, truthful language. Avoid descriptions such as “natulog lang” or “went to sleep,” which can confuse children and make them afraid of sleeping.

You might say:

“Si Lolo ay namatay na. Hindi na gumagana ang kanyang katawan, kaya hindi na natin siya makakasama tulad ng dati. Pero maaari pa rin natin siyang alalahanin at pagkuwentuhan.”

Share happy memories, look at family photographs, and let children ask questions at their own pace.

Some children may feel sad. Others may be curious or quickly return to playing. Their reactions can be different, and that's okay.

The goal isn't to make every conversation serious. It's to help children understand that remembering someone can include love, sadness, gratitude, and happy memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Filipino folklore books too scary for preschoolers?

Not necessarily. It depends on the story and the child. Choose gentle picture books with humor or friendly characters, and preview unfamiliar titles before reading them aloud.

Is Undas the same as Halloween?

No. Halloween is commonly associated with costumes and trick-or-treating, while Undas is a Filipino observance focused on remembering loved ones who have died. Families may observe both, but they have different meanings and traditions.

Do children need to visit a cemetery to observe Undas?

No. Families can remember loved ones at home by sharing stories, looking through photographs, offering prayers according to their beliefs, or spending time together.

Where can I find Filipino children's books?

Start with Philippine children's book publishers such as Adarna House and Tahanan Books. You can also check independent bookstores, libraries, school book fairs, and reputable online booksellers. Availability varies by title.

Keep Reading and Learning Filipino

Stories are one of the simplest ways to introduce children to Filipino words, traditions, and family memories.

A book about a tikbalang can lead to new vocabulary. A story about Undas can encourage children to ask questions about their grandparents. And a family story shared over merienda can become a memory they'll carry into adulthood.

You don't need an elaborate lesson plan. Sometimes, a good story and a few thoughtful questions are enough.

For more activities, explore Abakada.ph's free printable worksheets, including Filipino alphabet and early writing activities for beginning learners.

Happy reading, and may your family have a meaningful Undas.