Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin

Author: Bernadette Villanueva Neri

Illustrator: CJ de Silva

Publisher: Publikasyong Twamkittens

Year of Publication: 2012

A Flower That Blooms: A Book Review on Ang Ikaklit Sa Aming Hardin (Ikaklit in Our Garden)

By: Micah Althea C. Buenviaje*

Ang Ikaklit Sa Aming Hardin written by Bernadette Villanueva Neri, is controversial  as a children’s book because it veers away from the traditional definition of family. CJ de Silva, the book's illustrator says that most of the mainstream publishing companies had rejected the book; what it does is pick up a subject considered as taboo: a lesbian couple raising a child together.

Bernadette Neri’s “Ang Ikaklit Sa Aming Hardin”, depicts the life of the little girl named Ikaklit as she faces life growing up with two mothers. The conflict of the story can be seen through the reaction and bullying her classmates did to her since she does not have a father but two mothers. Ikaklit was innocent about the concept of family: “There is also a picture of a home with a mother, father and child who seem very happy. I looked for another drawing of a home that featured two mothers and a child. I did not see one.” (Neri, 2012, p.11) These lines imply that Ikaklit thought that the concept of family is having two mothers or having a mother or a father. She thought it was normal to have two mothers as her parents, thus when her classmates found out they reacted and teased her that her parents are tomboys and that she sprang out from bamboo. Ikaklit’s parents, Nay Daisy and Nay Lilia showed her all the love and support they can give despite the absence of a male figure in the family. For them it is not important whether a man or woman raises and takes care of a child, what's important is how well they take care of and raise the child. 

The gender issue present in the story is the homosexual relationship between Ikaklit’s parents. Nowadays, people consider homosexual relationships as the norm, however, back in the old days, homosexual relationships are not tolerated or condoned. In the story Ikaklit's classmates  are affected by society's moral judgment: 

I was surprised when my classmates asked me a question. “Why do you have 

two mothers?” “Doesn’t a family have only one mother?” “Don’t you have 

a father?”... My classmates teased me. “Maybe your mothers are tomboys!” 

“Maybe that’s why you don’t have a father!” “Well that means you just sprung from bamboo.” (Neri, 2012, p. 12-13)

The flowers in their garden had a great symbolism in the story. This was evident in the lines:  “Anak, a family is like a garden,” Nay Lilia said calmly. “Who planted the seeds is not important. it also doesn’t matter whether a woman or man takes care of them. What’s vital is how well the garden is tended,” she explained. (Neri, 2012, p. 16) The flowers symbolize the child, who needs nurturing to grow. The book mainly tells the readers that homosexuality should not be taken against couples wanting to raise a child; what’s important is the love and guidance the parents give their child. Like heterosexual couples,  they are also capable of giving love, support, guidance, and as long as the child grows to be a better individual none of the prejudices against persons should matter. 

The book raises the concern for the bullying experienced by some children, and it shows how an affected child can deal with it. Towards the end of the book, Ikaklit finds out that she is not alone; she has classmates who have family problems as well. The story ends with the blooming of flowers Ikaklit planted. Since the flowers were a surprise to her, she asked what kind of flowers she planted, and her parents said, "ikaklit," same as her name. If the flowers bloomed, so she would also grow to be a wonderful child. The secret is in the love and the tending. 

I strongly recommend this book as it is timely and relevant. The cover of the book is very attractive, the pictures are colorful and beautiful, the story is heartwarming and original. 

* Micah Althea C. Buenviaje graduated from Miriam College High School last March 2012. 17 years of age, she is currently taking up the course BS Child Development and Education in Miriam College, hoping to pursue her dream of becoming a successful preschool teacher someday.