Pinoy children’s book ‘Karapat-Dapat’ makes it to White Ravens’ 2020 recommendations

The Filipino children’s book “Karapat-Dapat: Child, Know Your Rights” is among the 200 titles included in the 2020 White Ravens Selection of International Children’s and Youth Literature.

The Pinoy-made children’s activity book was translated by May Tobias-Papa, published by CANVAS and brought to life by artists of the Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan.

In its description, White Ravens noted how “Karapat-Dapat: Child, Know Your Rights” was inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which was adapted by the UN General Assembly in 1989.

“In spite of being ratified by the Philippines a year later, the publishers see it as necessary to take a stand and educate Filipino children about their rights at a time where the very value of human rights is questioned,” the description read.

The catalogue pointed out how all the convention’s 54 articles “are re-written in child-friendly language.”

The description also mentioned how “[s]elected passages directly address young readers and are beautifully illustrated by the country’s best book illustrators,” as well as how “readers find extra pages interleaved that can be coloured in or used as game boards.”

The White Ravens Selection of International Children’s and Youth Literature is an annual catalogue of book recommendations in the field of international children’s and youth literature, put together by the International Youth Library.

CANVAS is a non-profit organization that promotes children’s literacy and runs the One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children campaign to donate books to disadvantaged communities.

“Karapat-Dapat: Child, Know Your Rights” was a fruit of its collaboration with Ang INK, the Philippines’ children’s book illustrators organization. – Margaret Claire Layug/RC, GMA News