A Curated Shelf by Ani Almario celebrates the wonder of children’s literature

A project by a new small press and curatorial platform Comma and independent bookstore Kwago, A Curated Shelf creates a space to understand the many ways we read, write and publish.To be launched at Komura; Book Fair on May 18, 3pm – 4pm, the second curated shelf will feature guest curator Ani Almario. Her selection of fifteen publications are children’s books that she would require her own kids to read.

In the second curated shelf, Almario addresses questions on literature and the printed word but ultimately reflects on her personal relationship with books and the chosen stories. She features the works of Maurice Sendak, Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess, Rene Villanueva and Ibarra Crisostomo, and May Tobias Papa and Pepper Roxas in her selection.

“These books are about my concerns, my politics and thoughts as of late. They reflect what I think are the stories that have to be told to children TODAY. I am happy that not all choices ended up grim and determined, as I also believe in children’s literature’s power to preserve happiness and wonder,” Almario writes in her curatorial notes.

Ani received her MA in Education from Stanford University and PhD in Curriculum Studies from UP Diliman. She is the school director and co-founder of The Raya School, a progressive institute for young children emphasizing on national pride and passion for learning.

She is the vice president of Adarna House, the publisher at the forefront in producing local children’s books and educational materials. She is also Secretary-General of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People and president of the Book Development Association of the Philippines.

In her notes, Ani shares a glimpse behind the history of her education and line of work: “One of my most vivid and treasured memories as a child has me, around 10 or 11, with my legs propped up on the arms of our butaka on our terrace, reading Little Women while eating pastillas that my tita made. Growing up, there was no better way to spend afternoons after school, than to curl up with a book.”

Along with A Curated Shelf, Komura; is still presenting the same pockets of storytelling (MARKET, PLAYGROUND, ECHOES, PIXEL, BOOK BAR) this year, but focuses on highlighting women creators, and women in tech and film at Komura; Pixel.

Komura; will be held at Warehouse Eight on May 18, 2019, 11am-11pm. Regular tickets cost PHP200; PHP120 for students. Kids 10 years old and below can come for FREE. Kids get zines and colouring books when they sign up register to A Curated Shelf. At the program, Adarna books are available for sale.

Reserve a slot for A Curated Shelf here: bit.ly/rsvpacuratedshelf