Much More than a Tale

 Whuush!

Author: Glenda Oris

Illustrator: Aldy Aguirre

Year of publication; 2011

Publisher; Adarna Books

Review Title: 

Much More than a Tale

By: *Nica Vanissa R. Bitang

          Whuush!’ story is about the young wind, Ling-ling, who got jealous of the strong wind, Paros. The strong wind told the young wind that he is powerful because he grew up in the city, racing with trains, playing tags with the buses, kicking electrical wires and hitting their posts. Desiring to be as fast and as strong as Paros, Ling-ling went to the city, too. Ling-ling wasn’t happy playing with Paros in the city. He missed his animal playmates in the forest, instead. At the end of the day, Ling-ling realized that the people in Makiling need him. He is the wind that brings the rain, which provides water for the springs in the mountain and they wouldn’t survive without him so he went back home.

            I would say that the book cover is attractive, creative and is appropriate for the broad imagination of readers from age 10 onwards. The abstract appearance of the cover catches attention for readers of our ages. Also, the title “Whuush”, which we know is the sound of the wind, is really interesting. The illustrations are colorful and attractive to the eyes, giving more interest to readers but I noticed that the font size is small, especially the English translations. A bigger font may help the readers see the words more clearly.

            Author Glenda Oris wrote this story for adolescents, with the purpose of entertaining and teaching them good values. It was written wonderfully in two languages in order to be understood by the general audience. She used words that are not too common which I think would help readers to widen their vocabulary.

            The main lesson of the story is to be the best of who you are, without imitating or trying to overpower others. Just be the best of what you can be, that’s what is important.  Be your own inspiration to excel; don’t try to be as good as or better than anybody else. Try to be the best you instead of comparing yourself to other people. Be contented of what you have and make the most of your life.

            At the back of my mind, deeper issues get included also in the story. Pollution, nature destruction and other environmental and social problems are shown. I therefore realized that the book isn’t for the youth only. It is also appropriate to readers in the mid or late ages because there is a lot of value hidden in its words.

            At present, many people from the provinces try their luck here in the city of Manila. They go here, thinking that they will have better and easier lives compared to their lives in the province but most often than not, they end up going back to their hometowns. Just like what happened to Ling-ling, he discovered her importance to his hometown and the importance of his place to him when he already is in the city. It offers a reminder that though the city has been improving and progressing, the natural and simple life in provinces is still more refreshing.

            Generally, the book is exciting, and brimming with lessons.  I strongly recommend this book to the young readers. Aside from the good illustrations, the story and its point that is appropriate for the youth, the concepts may also apply to reality which concerns us, teenagers, students, and also, the adults. Though presented creatively and cartooned, this book is more than a children’s book.

*Nica Vanissa R. Bitang graduated high school as a scholar from St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina last March 2012 with the Tuklas Talino Award and is currently studying Child Development and Education in Miriam College as a full scholar. She is also a member of the Child Development and Education Circle (CDEC), Talitha Cumi, and HUNI.