A CHILDREN’S book series penned by the creator of “Ketungu Chamorro” aims to immerse young readers and their parents in the Chamorro language and culture, just in time for Cultural Heritage Month.
On Saturday, the first of several books in “An Island Paradise: Sirena, Sirena, Where Are You?” series was launched and read aloud by 2021 Miss Marianas Savannah Delos Santos at Marianas Creations.
“Book 1: Let’s Learn the Alphabet” teaches the Chamorro and English alphabets in story format, accompanied by pictures illustrated by the book’s author, Valentina Rivera.
Rivera said she drew her inspiration from the indigenous cultural and linguistic immersion classes offered by the CNMI Public School System.
The first book in the series introduces two fictional characters, Toki the pig and Doro the dog who are looking for their best friend, Sirena the mermaid, after a typhoon struck their home island.
Rivera said each book in the series follows Toki and Doro as they try to find Sirena, crossing paths and befriending new characters along the way.
“The Hispanic community has Dora and Diego. Why not create indigenous characters for kids in the CNMI?” Rivera asked.
Initially, she wrote a script, hoping to create a puppet show.
After taking on that arduous task, however, she decided to switch gears and rewrite it as a short story.
Another public reading of “Book 1: Let’s Learn the Alphabet” will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 17, at Bestseller with special guest reader 2018 Miss Marianas Celine Cabrera.
The third public reading will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Children’s Center with a special guest reader from the Indigenous Affairs Office.
Rivera said a children’s book series focusing on the Refaluwasch culture and language is currently in the works.
To purchase digital or hard copies of “An Island Paradise: Sirena, Sirena, Where Are You?” and other merchandise, visit https://localgoodys.com/store/lets-learn-series/ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92RH1K1/.
2021 Miss Marianas Savannah Delos Santos, left, and author Valentina Rivera pose for a photo while holding copies of the first book in the “Island Paradise: Sirena, Sirena, Where Are You?” book series.
From left, Marianas Creations owner Elina Gharti Chhetri, author Valentina Rivera, and 2021 Miss Marianas Savannah Delos Santos pose for a photo.
2021 Miss Marianas Savannah Delos Santos reads “An Island Paradise: Sirena, Sirena, Where Are You?” during a book launch at Marianas Creations.
Author Valentina Rivera, second right, poses for a photo with Marianas Creations owner Elina Gharti Chhetri, 2021 Miss Marianas Savannah Delos Santos, and two community members who were present for the book reading on Saturday.
