LITERATURE alumna and award-winning poet Rebecca Añonuevo turns the spotlight on shy and withdrawn children in her second children’s book, “Kupî (Ang Batang Dungo),” calling for greater understanding of those who struggle to find their voice.
The story follows Kupî, a young orphan who becomes withdrawn and keeps his head down after losing his parents, drawing criticism and irritation from those around him.
“Ang may kaugat sa akin bilang guro at manunulat ay mga batang katulad ni Kupî. Mahiyain, misteryoso, mailap, dungo,” Añonuevo said during the book launch on Aug. 21 in Quezon City.
(What resonates with me as a teacher and writer are children like Kupî: shy, mysterious, withdrawn and timid.)
Añonuevo recalled growing up at a time when children were expected to remain quiet around adults and were often reprimanded for being too restless or talkative.
These experiences informed her understanding of children who tend to isolate themselves.
“Nawa ay makatulong itong aklat sa pag-unawa natin at pagkalinga sa mga dungo sa lipunan,” she said.
(I hope this book can help us understand and care for the timid among us.)
Añonuevo noted that parents and teachers may naturally gravitate toward outgoing children who are comfortable speaking, performing and socializing, but said those who are meek also need understanding and support.
She clarified that the book does not seek to eliminate hiya altogether, noting that shame or self-consciousness remains an important part of being human.
“Alam natin ang pagdurusa ng bayan dahil sa mga taong walang hiya,” she said.
(We know how the nation suffers because of people who have no sense of shame.)
Añonuevo’s first children’s book, “Ang Mahiyaing Manok,” centered on a shy chicken that was too timid to crow. It was published by Adarna House in 2000.
Añonuevo, a former associate of the UST Center for Creative Writing and Studies, has served as a tula panelist in the Varsitarian’s annual literary and creative writing workshop.
Her poetry collections include “Nakatanim na Granada ang Diyos” and “Isa Lang ang Pangalan,” which earned recognition from the National Book Awards.
“Kupî (Ang Batang Dungo)” was released by NDM Original with illustrations by Jeron Tanglaw, a children’s book illustrator and teacher from Batangas. Elizabeth Joy C. Castro
