Ode to a Young Reader

I am magic, I hold the key.

To all the things you’re yet to be,

To all the paths you’re yet to find,

To all the dreams within your mind.

Language: English

Type: hardcover, full-color

Year Published: 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GIGO ALAMPAY is a writer, editor, lawyer, and developmental worker. Advocating for human rights, democracy, and the environment, he is the founder and executive director of CANVAS (Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development), established in 2005. Under their flagship One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children program, he authored NSafe Space and YouThink, both of which received the ational Children’s Book Award in 2022. In 2024, his book How to Raise Your Child won the Gintong Aklat Award for Inspiration.

Gigo wrote Ode to a Young Reader in celebration of CANVAS’ 20th anniversary. The artworks in this book were carefully chosen by Gigo from pieces acquired over two decades through CANVAS’ many creative and community-centered projects. This book is both a personal offering and a tribute: to the power of stories, to the artists who make them come alive, and most of all, to the children who carry them forward.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Roel Obemio, Jojo Barja, Mark Arcamo, Sarah Geneblazo, Daniel Tayona, Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Marcel Antonio, Liza Flores, Mark Jeffrey 'Mr. S' Santos, Renato Habulan, Lui Manaig, Studio 1616, Liv Vinluan, Don Salubayba, Jeho Bitancor, J Pacena, Johanna Helmuth, Jim Orencio, Dante Lerma, National Artist Benedicto 'BenCab' Cabrera, Mimi Tecson, CJ Tanedo, Emmanuel Garibay, Joy Mallari, June Digan, Michael Cacnio, Jon Jaylo, Christopher Yap

BUY ONE, DONATE BOOKS TO JUAN 

Every purchase of this book is matched with book donations to children from disadvantaged communities in the Philippines in support of CANVAS' One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children Campaign.