crumb trails

In this period of economic instability, we must all learn to be frugal. As adults, we can devise ways to economize, make the most of what we have and spend our hard-earned money on necessary and very important things only. But how about children? How can we make them understand a complicated situation like the economy? If you’re a parent, how would you teach your kids the value of being thrifty?

I came across a book for children during Adarna House’s Lecture Series in July, entitled “Tight Times.” This book, in my opinion is an effective tool to let children know our economic situation and make them value money. It is a 30-page illustrated storybook told in first person (from the point of view of one of the children in the family). The story opens with the phrase “Mamang says these are tight times, so we’ve got to be tough (Sabi ni Mamang, ito’y panahon ng taggipit kaya’t kailangan nating maging matatag). From this line, you know already it is touching a serious subject that is also complicated for a child. But the tale is very well-written: simple, direct, sensitive and hopeful. Aside from being thrifty, “Tight Times” also teaches its readers how to save and economize, appreciate the things you have, and be thankful for every little blessing you receive. It also explains why certain activities you do regularly before you only do once in a while now.

Let me share a part of this tale that really made me smile:

I eat my eggs slowly now, and drink my chocolate even more slowly. It is strange how my chocolate and eggs taste yummier these days!

And it’s more heartwarming when translated in the native language:

Kinakain ko ang mga itlog ngayon nang dahan-dahan, at iniinom ang tsokolate nang mas mabagal. Nakapagtataka kung paanong ang mga itlog at tsokolate ay mas malinamnam nitong mga nakaraang araw!

The illustrations in the book are very helpful, very Pinoy and, for me, symbolic. They’re not people but animals. And the main characters (the family) are mice. That is why I thought it they’re symbolic, because when someone’s financially inadequate we would say, “Mas mahirap pa `yan sa daga.” (He’s more miserable than a mouse).

Illustration’s an important part of children’s stories. It helps the reader picture every situation presented in the story, it gives a face to every character, creates and adds mood, and sometimes illustrations even tell another/new story or introduces another character. You just have to be observant.

Among my favorite illustrations in the book are these:

Notice that not everything in the illustrations are in color. In the first photo, only the straws and the box of a choco drink have color. Maybe because the box is a source of joy and the straws connect each member of the family. Since they’re economizing, they finally discovered the joy of sharing. In the second illustration, the colored view seen from the window symbolizes hope; that they’re will be better days.

“Tight Times” is written by Jeanette C. Patindol (author of Papa’s House, Mama’s House) and illustrated by Sergio T. Bumatay III. It is a PBBY Salanga Prize (story) and PBBY Alcala Prize (illustration) Grand Winner for 2007.

______________________

I always believe that books and literature are among the most effective tools for values formation. This is a highly recommended book for parents. Have fun reading!

Tags: Adarna House, art, fiction, Jeanette Patindol, kids, Sergio Bumatay III, story