Filipino children’s literature took the international stage at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, where Lampara Books showcased titles that reflect the experiences of young readers and highlighted the importance of inclusive storytelling.
Held on October 7–11, 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany, the international book fair featured seven Lampara Books titles: A Different Shade of Purple, Anya’s Tiny Shoes, Family Stories, Fish For Two, Rosamistica, The Maiden Who Defeated the King, and Words Have Power.
Other Lampara Books publications featured at the fair included Ako ay May Kiki, Ako ay May Titi, and Kaloka Ka, Lolo!, as well as the Digital Pinoy Kids Series, Sari-sari Books, and the K-3 Reading Package.
During his presentation on the Asia Stage, Precious Pages Corporation (PPC) President Segundo Matias Jr. discussed the vision behind Lampara Books and its commitment to publishing stories that reflect children’s realities, affirm their identities, and help them understand people whose experiences differ from their own.
Drawing on nearly three decades in children’s publishing, Matias emphasized that children deserve stories that both engage them and address issues they need to understand. These include stories about children raised by single parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, and other caregivers, as well as narratives dealing with poverty, child safety, and grief.
“Every child deserves to see themselves in a story—and every child deserves stories that help them understand the world,” he said.
Matias also cited books that encourage children to learn the proper terms for their bodies and understand personal care. Their reception, he said, demonstrated how books can open conversations about subjects that people may otherwise find difficult or embarrassing to discuss.
Lampara Books also publishes materials on disaster preparedness and digital literacy, reflecting its broader goal of equipping young readers with age-appropriate knowledge to navigate real-life challenges.
For Matias, inclusive children’s literature means creating books in which children can recognize their own experiences, including those often underrepresented in literature, while learning to understand others.
“We believe no child should feel invisible in the pages of a book,” he said.
Likewise, the publishing house aims to broaden representation in Filipino children’s literature through stories that tackle gender equality, disability, and neurodivergence.
“Lampara Books stands firmly for inclusion,” Matias said.
“Whether a child lives with a disability, is neurodivergent, or simply experiences and understands the world differently from what is considered typical, their story matters. Their voice matters. Their dreams matter,” he added.
For Matias, children’s literature must do more than entertain. It should open minds, build empathy, and give children a safe space to ask difficult questions and feel that they belong.
“Because every child deserves a story, and every story has the power to change a child’s life,” he said.
For more Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 photos, kindly click this link.
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