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 explain to children about 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 how to save and economize, appreciate the things you have, and be thankful for every little blessing you receive. It 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 are very helpful, very Filipino, and full of symbolism. They’re not people but animals. And the main characters are a family mice, no less! So fit for the subject. In Filipino culture, when someone’s financially inadequate we’d say, “Mas mahirap pa `yan sa daga.” (He’s more miserable than a mouse).

Illustrations are an important part of children’s stories. They help young readers picture the situations presented in the story, give a face to every character, create and add mood, and sometimes, they even tell another story. One just needs to be observant.

Among my favorite illustrations in this book:

Not everything in the illustrations is in color. In the first photo, only the straws and the box of a choco drink have color. Maybe because the chocolate drink  has become a source of joy in a time of hardship and the straws connect the members of the family; that they could bear anything because they are together. The circumstance they are in also taught them the value of sharing.

In the second illustration, the colored view seen from the window is a symbol of hope; that there is no need to despair for there 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.

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