Fil-Am illustrator releases new children’s books, surprises mom

Filipino American illustrator Lynnor Bontigao has three books just recently released. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK — Filipino American illustrator Lynnor Bontigao has just released not one, not two, but three children’s books. One of them even contains a surprise for her mother.

She is the talent who crafted the visuals of Kailani’s Gift by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, At the End of the Day by Lisl Detlefsen and Seashell Key by Lourdes Heuer.

“I could never have imagined having three books coming out in one year, so it’s completely mind-blowing to have three in one month,” she says.

“I am so excited for each one of them to finally be here. They’re all so different from each other, each one has its own vibe. It’s a very exciting time for me!”

Bontigao herself has written and illustrated Sari-Sari Summers, where Nora comes up with a brilliantly delicious way to attract customers after a heat wave to her lola’s empty store.

Her other illustration work includes You Are Revolutionary by Cindy Wang Brandt and Jack & Agyu by Justine Villanueva (which is written in English and different Filipino languages.)

READ about Jack & Agyu winning the Benjamin Franklin Award

Always loved drawing

Bontigao was born in the Philippines and moved to the US in her early 20s. “I’ve always loved drawing as a kid. I thought I’d grow up to be a designer, perhaps of shoes since my parents used to have a shoe factory or a landscape architect because we had a plant nursery later on.”

While she was in college taking up visual communications, Bontigao joined a children’s book illustrators group. “That was when I realized I wanted to make children’s books.”

She currently works using digital tools. “But I think I want to go back to traditional methods in my next project, like using watercolor or colored pencils. Let’s see.”

Culture

Seashell Key is the first of a young chapter book series from Bontigao and author Lourdes Heuer about a community of kids living in a beautiful seaside town.

“The setting is similar to many of our beaches in the Philippines with coconut, mango and banana trees around.”

(There is no rest for Bontigao, she just recently completed artwork for the second book in this series.)

In Kailani’s Gift, Kailani has a hard time keeping up with her siblings as they practice a traditional Filipino dance. With Daddy’s help, will she be able to learn the tinikling in time to surprise her Lolo and Lola for their anniversary party?

The book celebrates family, Filipino heritage, and dance, showcasing the value of patience, perseverance, and blessing others with one’s gifts and talents.

“I did not hesitate to take on this project. I’ve wanted to work with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young since reading her Cora Cooks Pancit many years ago. I’m thankful for … this dream come true,” she says.

Meaningful

At the End of the Day chronicles a busy, exhausted and loving family dealing with one obstacle after another in the run-up to bedtime.

When the book was released this past April, it held a special significance for Bontigao. April is the Month of the Military Child. “Guess what? That’s me! My brave mom was an officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. She was a military nurse and she was in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She would often be in combat boots and uniform. She rose to the rank of colonel,” Bontigao says.

Bontigao (right) with her mother. CONTRIBUTED

To honor her mother, Bontigao worked with the author and book editor to illustrate the family in the book as a military family.

“Being in the military was such a big part of my mother’s life and I hope she knows that we appreciate her sacrifice. We are so proud of her accomplishments.”

“I didn’t tell nanay until [the book came out]. I wanted to surprise her. Oh, she loved it!”

Walter Ang is the author of Barangay to Broadway: Filipino American Theater. Available at Amazon, Bookshop and other online booksellers.