  | Boy, the mountain, and the serpent who ate the moon Author: Cruz, Caris Avendano | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
Three Filipino children, Bayani, Isay, and Aaron, venture into a mystical land of monsters and gods from Filipino lore, where they must navigate dangers and find their way back home.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/15/25)
Booklist (00/06/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 04/28/2025 Over the past few years, the fictional town of Santo Cristo has become known as a place from which dozens of people have gone missing. During Santo Cristo’s annual fiesta and evening procession, three local kids-12-year-old Bayani, his younger sister Isay, and their cousin Aaron-become the latest in the string of disappearances when, as the trio cross a bridge, the structure inexplicably grows legs and runs away with the tweens as its unwilling passengers. It carries them to an eerie location seemingly removed from reality, where they encounter a kapre. The creature, of Filipino folklore, informs the children that they must again find and cross the bridge to return home. As the group embarks on their quest, they learn more about the mysterious place’s origins. Cruz (Markit and the Ocean of Stars) draws upon Filipino mythology to deliver a fantastical tale about overcoming fear and cultivating a love for the earth and its inhabitants. Bayani’s emboldening mantra-"There is always a way"-highlights the novel’s emphasis on positivity and tenacity as a means to counter literal and figurative darkness. It’s an engaging tale that blends magical adventure with hopeful depictions of friendship. Tagalog words and phrases appear throughout. Ages 8-12. Agent: Melanie Figueroa, Root Literary. (July) - Copyright 2025
