I remember the exact moment when I wrote A ROOF! It was January 1st, 2022, and I had just received my second COVID-19 shot. Unlike the first one, this vaccine knocked me out, leaving me in bed all day, with time to catch up on the news. The headlines were all about the heart-wrenching aftermath of Typhoon Rai in the Philippines. It was a reminder of how devastating natural disasters are sadly common in my part of the world. So, lying in bed, I began typing away, jotting down A ROOF! in my notes on my phone. Growing up in the Philippines and Hong Kong, I have witnessed firsthand the destructive force of typhoons and the havoc they can wreak. As a child, I vividly recall the meticulous process of taping Xs on our windows on the 33rd floor, preparing for the potential shattering. Just last October, Hong Kong was hit by back-to-back typhoons and heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding that even affected the subway stations. I have personally witnessed the resilience of friends and communities in the Philippines as they faced the daunting task of rebuilding, relocating, or repairing their storm-damaged homes. In rural and impoverished areas, where roofs are often made from flimsy corrugated sheets, losing a roof is an all-too-common occurrence. It is even more disheartening that some communities expect such losses so frequently that they inscribe their names and addresses on their roofs, hoping for their eventual return. This became the premise of my story. In A ROOF!, the main character Maya stumbles upon a roof in her backyard and realizes that there must be a desperate family out there yearning to reclaim it. Inspired by the cumulative style of THANK YOU, OMU! by Oge Mora, I knew that I wanted to incorporate a similar approach in A ROOF!, as it would beautifully showcase the sense of community within the story. The narrative delves into themes of resilience and unity, drawing upon the remarkable bayanihan spirit—a cultural trait deeply ingrained in Filipino society, which emphasizes collective effort for the greater good, particularly in times of disaster. This spirit serves as the driving force behind the story, which unfolds as a cumulative tale following Maya's journey. Alongside her father, Maya sets off on a mission to return the roof to its rightful owners, encountering new friends and receiving helping hands along the way. Maya and Tatay journey through a forest with the roof they discovered in their backyard, illustrated by Daniel Tingcungco (Kokila) Maya's expedition takes her through a diverse array of landscapes found in the coastal areas of the Philippines, ranging from majestic mountains to serene mangroves and lush forests. Daniel Tingcungo beautifully captures the magic of the Philippine islands and breathes life into the story with his captivating illustrations. Today, I am proud to reveal the cover, prominently featuring Maya and her father standing in front of the house they are helping to rebuild.
My debut picture book, A ROOF!, illustrated by Daniel Tingcungco and published by Kokila, is scheduled for release in September. In the world of publishing, seven months is considered right around the corner, and I can hardly contain my excitement. The preorder link is now officially live! Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date! Stephanie Ellen Sy is a writer and interior designer with a degree in International Relations and Asian Studies from Tufts University. She draws inspiration from her memories and experiences living in Hong Kong, Canada, the US, Italy, and the Philippines, where she was born. She now splits her time between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Hong Kong. http://www.stephanieellensy.com Comments are closed.
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