Lalani of the Distant Sea

by Erin Entrada Kelly

[Veronica 🦦]

A | If there’s one word I can use to describe this book, it’s “melodic.” Now, if you asked me which musical piece this books reminded me of, I would say, “Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: I. Allegro moderato,” which is one of my favorite pieces. Strange? Perhaps. However this was the first came to my mind after I finished the book.

I adored this book. If this book could talk? It would stand up tall and proud and say, “I am proudly Filipino and you can’t take that away from me.” It is a rich Filipino inspired world that is teeming with Filipino mythology and folklore in every page. And yes, this does include the not so great sides of Filipino culture like the way men are uplifted while women are put down and blamed for any and all issues arising.

Oh, how I wish this book existed when I was a child.

But I am thankful for its existence now because it means Filipinos in the diaspora can finally read about a world inspired by our culture and filled with characters based on our myths and legends.

And this book is even more special because of Lalani.

What really made me fall in love with Lalani is that she is not the chosen one. She is not a special little girl destined for greatness. No. She is simply a twelve year old girl whose heart is full of generosity, selflessness, bravery, and resiliency.

It’s great when books allow kids to imagine themselves as superheroes. But it’s also important to show kids that everyone — even those without special talents or abilities — can make a difference in society. Resilience and bravery go a long way and even those without magic an accomplish great things.