Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is now available in trade paperback!

Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is a story about getting lost and finding your way, about constantly looking at the world with wonder, knowing that there’s magic even in the most mundane things– spoons, rocks, and even strands of hair. It is a story about friendship and the openness of heart to learn new things; to understand the extent of sacrifices made for us so that we can have what we have.

The paperback is out now, which means readers now have a lighter, more accessible version, in case you are not a fan of hardcovers. This book comes with a shiny little secret: a sneak peek of a new Laho-inspired story coming out this July.

It is my wish that these magical jaunts will help you get through tough days.

Once, I told myself, “Just one book. Just one book to my name.” This was that one book. The first, but not the *only.* And even now, I still have dreams for it: a Tagalog version, one more fitting to be read in local schools. Or a graphic novel version–so we could see the Engkantos in their full glory! Or maybe, just putting it out there, and forgive me for being greedy: many more books under Marikit’s name. There have been drafts, I tell you. There have been dreams (and, pun intended, NIGHTMARES).

For now, I celebrate this one book. My first book. The book that made it out into the world and gave me a seat at the table. This book is yours to read and keep. And I hope you’d like it as much as I keep returning to it.

To Marikit, and Ali, and Juan, and Nina. And to all the kids looking for their places in this great, enchanted map of the world.

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