About The Severino Reyes Medal
To commemorate International Children’s Book Day, ‘The Severino Reyes Medal’ is given to young adult and children’s books. It is an annual awarding event, first held last April 2, 2024. It was organized by librarians in partnership with the International Board on Books for Young People Philippines (IBBY-PH) to recognize the authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s books in hopes of inspiring them to produce more books for Filipino children. Ms. Rio Lim of IBBY-PH explained that together with their partner librarian organizations, they named it after Severino Reyes as recognition, honor, and tribute to his contribution to Philippine children’s literature as seen in his collection of works, ‘Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang’.
Under the National Library of the Philippines’ leadership, representatives from the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc., Association of Librarians in Public Sector, Inc., Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc., and the National Book Development Board selected winning works in the three categories of Best Picture Book, Best Story Book, and Best Young Adult Book. With a maximum of 5 entries per category for each publisher, The Severino Reyes Medal received 178 entries.
Published by Adarna House, ‘Kalambing’ written by Augie Rivera and illustrated by Al Estrella won Best Picture Book. For Best Story Book, ‘I Like Wearing Rainbows’ published by CANVAS - Center of Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development, written by Agay Llanera, and illustrated by Lui Manaig won. Lastly, under Lampara Publishing, Inc., ‘Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang’ written by Segundo Matias Jr. and illustrated by Jomike Tejido brought home the Best Young Adult Book award. In each category, the selection committee not only selected a winner but also picked up to four books to be included in each category’s honor list.
Recognizing 'At Home With Crazy'
Milflores Publishing, Inc.’s ‘At Home With Crazy’ written by Kat Martin and whose cover was designed by Angela Taguiang was included in the Best Young Adult Book’s Honor List.
‘At Home With Crazy’ follows high school freshman Cayt’s move to Manila and her family’s dynamic as they cope with her mother’s mental condition. Mental health and the role of carers explored in a coming-of-age, though sensitive, are topics of utmost importance and must be discussed even from a young age.
Author Kat Martin said that it was a privilege to be included in the award’s first-ever Honor List alongside groundbreaking children’s and young adult titles.
“It’s so cool to have an award that recognizes outstanding Philippine YA literature because we have an abundance of those every year, and I think this award could play a significant role in encouraging more Filipinos to discover the joys of reading titles.” --Kat Martin, author of 'At Home With Crazy' on being included in The Severino Medal's 2024 Honor List for Best Young Adult Book
Illustrator Taguiang also shared the same sentiments and said that being included in the Honor List was a much-needed happy news for her, knowing that it was listed in the company of friends and colleagues whose works she loved and respected.
“I was happy for Kat because this is her first book! I knew the book had been well-received since its launch, so I wasn’t too surprised. I just felt so honored and proud to have played a role in the making of this book.” --Angela Taguiang, cover illustrator of 'At Home With Crazy' on being included in the Honor List
Likewise, we at Milflores Publishing are overjoyed to hear the news of At Home With Crazy's recognition. Inspired by The Severino Reyes Medal, we hope that more young adult and children's literature come out with powerful stories that tackle pressing issues our kids should be aware of.