Meet an Author

Writer Mila Philipzig

Hi everyone!

Did you read the story, The Banig Festival, in the March issue of Chirp magazine? It was written by author Mila Philipzig and illustrated by her childhood friend, Aura Asuncion Yambao. Mila and Aura both grew up in the Philippines so Mila wanted to tell a story that was inspired by the Banig Festival that takes place there. The bridge in the story, that the main character is afraid to cross, was even inspired by a real bridge! Let’s learn more about Mila and her story.

Mila’s son walking across the bridge from the story.

What gave you the idea to write about the Banig Festival?

I love banigs (traditional handwoven mats) and have fond memories of sharing them with my siblings and cousins for afternoon siestas (naps). The banig-weaving industry is not flourishing in the Philippenes anymore and I wanted to call attention to banig, to the festival, and to celebrate these beautiful traditional mats.

How long have you been writing for kids? 

Seven years.

Banigs are very colourful. What is your favourite colour?

Purple!

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Mila!

Have YOU ever been to a festival that was special to you? Leave a comment and tell us about it!

• Jackie

Book Review: Don’t Let Go

Hi Friends!

Are you looking for a wintry book to read? Check out Don’t Let Go by Elisabeth Eudes-Pascal. It’s a fun book about a polar bear family’s day at a frosty beach. Let’s hear what Chirp reader Anura thought of this book!

“It was a very good book because it made me laugh.

This book is about feeling scared. I have a connection to this book, when I go to the beach and jump in the water it’s pretty scary.

It reminds me of when we go to the beach in the summer and there are lots of people doing different things in the water.

I liked all the speech bubbles! I also loved the illustrations in the book. I would recommend this book to other readers.” 

Thank you, Anura!

Happy reading, everyone!

• Jackie

Music Review: The Fuddles!

Hi readers,

You know when you hear a good song and you just can’t help but get up and dance or sing along? Well our friends The Fuddles have written a whole new album of great songs to sing and dance to!

In celebration of The Fuddles’ new album, Chirp readers Mia, 7,  and Melody, 4, listened to some classic Fuddles’ songs and decided to review them for you.  Here’s what they thought!

Sisters Melody and Mia

“I like the beats to all the songs. They have “mm-mm”sounds. The song about the clown made me smile. I like The Nature Song because I like being outdoors and swimming.” – Melody

“I like the song What Do You Want For Lunch because they sing about grilled cheese, pancakes, candy canes, bubble gum, and rice krispies. Other kids will like it too if they hear some of their favourite foods.

“All I See Are Colours was our favourite song on the album. We love colours and rainbows. We liked how they mentioned more unique colours.” –  Melody and Mia

Thank you, Melody and Mia, for sharing your opinion about The Fuddles’ new songs! Click here to hear some of The Fuddles’ music for free.

See you on the dance floor!

• Jackie

Spring Book Review: Whirl by Deborah Kerbel

Hi Everyone,

Did you know that April is Earth Month? What a great time to get outdoors and explore nature!

If you’re looking for a good book to help celebrate the Earth this month, check out Whirl by Deborah Kerbel. It’s a fun story about a maple tree seed pod that gets picked up by the wind and goes on a wild adventure!

Here’s what Chirp reader Thelonious thought of this book:

“I liked it. The part where the kids pretend that the maple keys are eyebrows and mustaches and walrus tusks was the funniest part. I like following the line of the maple keys with my finger when they fall. My favorite part was when the blue jay took the maple key! Other kids would maybe like it. I want to read it again!”

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Thelonious!

To learn more about maple tree seed pods, check out the Science page in the April issue of Chirp magazine.

Happy reading!

• Jackie

Flying Fun

Hi readers,

Looking for something to do this week? Why not listen to a story about the history of women in aviation as told by author Tiffany Stone. This story, called Hi, Sky, was originally published in Chirp magazine and is full of flying fun! And guess what? Author Tiffany Stone’s dad used to be a pilot so she grew up around all kinds of airplanes and is very passionate about the history of flight. Thanks Tiffany, for sharing your story with us!