Picture the colors of Southern Philippines in this new book unveiled in California

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If a genie can grant your ultimate and one wish, what would it be? This Muslim Filipino book “Halal and the Lake: A Meranaw Tale” is here to enchant kids and the kids-at-heart in a colorful tale of dreams and a shot at owning the clouds.

Launched last Dec. 10 in Oakland, California, this debut masterpiece by Meranaw author Hanna Usman features a kid with dreams as high as the clouds above him. Jalal, the boy trades the solitude of the lake for a chance to own the clouds.

We don’t want to spoil the story too much but here’s a hunch: things would turn around when dark men in suits enter the scene offering him a deal in exchange for a granted wish.

Published by California-based indie press Sari-Sari Storybooks, “Jalal and the Lake” is their fifth cultural piece. MSU Marawi Professor Sorhalia Latip-Yusoph brings in some Austronesian flair into the translation backed by Mariane Palita who added some visual magic with her illustrations.

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Joining the beat of this cultural rhythm are the critics giving this Filipino children’s book a nod. “A short, sweet cautionary tale, brimming with character,” praises Kirkus Reviews. With a colorful graphic of the clouds, lake and a dash of drama — it’s a story perfect for a kid’s bedtime story.

The book’s bilingual landscape flits between two languages — one version in English and one in Austronesian language, Meranaw. Though it may appear text-heavy due to this aspect, the charm of the Palita’s art promises to keep readers hooked.

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Meet this Filipino book’s author Hanna Usman

Hailing from Marawi City in the southern region of the Philippines, Usman is a Meranaw with a BA in English and a JD from Jose Maria College of Law.

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But she’s not just here to spin tales; she’s also for weaving cultural stories. “I enjoy sharing about Meranaw culture. I love discussing our dances, traditions, and crafts. Growing up, I heard many stories from my parents, which led me to think, ‘What if I share our culture through these stories?” Shares Usman in an interview.

Championing environmental consciousness and cultural preservation, Usman is an advocate for peace, awareness and the significant connection of tradition and culture.

As this Filipino children’s book joins the league of Sari-Sari’s tales for kids, stories in Cebuano, Ivatan, Waray and Chavacano will still be a part of their mission to connect Filipino children in the diaspora.