Publisher Q&A: Reni Roxas
On Tahanan Books, reading, and what kids love

Star Teacher interviews Reni Roxas, co-founder, publisher and editor of Tahanan Books for Young Readers—a multi-awarded Philippine publishing company that focuses on high-quality children's literature. [Information on Star Teacher]

When did you establish Tahanan Books for Young Readers?

In 1991. Before this, I spent seven years working in the field of children's books in New York City. I had always dreamed of putting up a children's book publishing company in Manila. I was working as an editor for Franklin Watts (a division of the Grolier Company) when Lory Tan of Bookmark wrote to invite me and my ex-husband to return to Manila and do children's books. It was an irresistible offer.

What does a book publisher/editor do?

The publisher is like an orchestra conductor—she gets all the players together to create out of their individual talents a communal work of art we call a book. An editor, on the other hand, has intimate knowledge of writers and their habits and idiosyncrasies. A good editor coaxes the best out of an author or illustrator.

What does it take to get a new book into the hands of a reader?

That depends on the kind of book you want to publish. A 32-page picture book may take more than a year to do! From conception to bound book, every phase is a collaborative effort with a creative person or persons. After all the hard work and labor of love, you have a book hot off the press that you can touch and smell. Imagine how rewarding that is!

What do you enjoy most about your work?

One memorable incident comes to mind: At the 1994 Philippine Bookfair, I spied a young girl pick up our picture book Bahay Kubo. While going through the book, she sang all the lyrics to herself. When she got to the last page that had the music sheet, she sang the song all over again! I would not trade that moment for all the tea in China . And if Tahanan and I are truly lucky, one day that little girl will grow up to sing our picture book to her daughter.

What role do you think books play in the growth and lives of children?

Corny as it may sound, I believe that all children's book publishers are involved in nation-building. A reading public is an informed public. Encouraging our children to read through books and other printed matter will turn them into inquisitive and discerning citizens.

How are Filipino children's books are different from imported ones?

We have a long way to go to match the quality and sheer output of the West. But like a wonderful kundiman I recall from childhood, sometimes there is just no substitute for something homegrown, no matter how green the grass appears on the other side. These books speak to us about our heritage. Our history. Our past. Without history we would not know who we are.

What kinds of books do children enjoy most?

Books that make them laugh. For kids the age of my younger son, Sam (age 10), it can be toilet humor. Kids love to laugh. My older son loves mystery and adventure. When he finished the last Harry Potter book, he felt robbed. He felt it ended too soon.

Does Tahanan Books have a mission/vision?

Tahanan means home, where the love of reading begins. Tahanan has no lofty goals. We just want to come out with books that will entertain children and inspire in them a lifelong love of reading. Parents, teachers, and the world can take care of the rest.

In the Tahanan Books booth at the 2005 Philippine Book Fair “Reading opens the door to all learning. A child does not necessarily have to be ‘reading books.' If you catch him reading a text message on a cellphone, or scanning the back of a cereal box, or glancing at a newspaper headline on the street...that child is reading . Perhaps, if we are lucky, and he is lucky, someday he will find his way to a book. Entire worlds are now at his beckoning. Open Sesame!” –Reni Roxas

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