Move over, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter because Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan is about to whisk Filipino kids away on a spellbinding adventure steeped in the enchanting world of Philippine folklore and mythology.
While Philippine entertainment often digs into the spooky tales from local folklore, children’s literature has yet to catch up.
But thanks to “Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan,” penned by author Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte and published by Gully Books, that gap is just about to be filled. This captivating tale will introduce today’s generation to the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore while creating a world that will ignite the imagination of young readers.
According to a quick synopsis, the story revolves around Danny, an ordinary kid caught up in the mysterious happenings of his seemingly idyllic town. On his thirteenth birthday, Danny receives a gift with two equally challenging choices: uncover the evil secrets that haunt Pinetown or become the harbinger of chaos itself.
So far, this literary gem has only made a limited debut at the Philippine Book Festival in Manila and Davao, and the Cebu Literary Festival. Gully Books even opened a pre-order portal last month with copies of the actual book to be shipped within three to four weeks.
Introducing Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan: A Mesmerizing Adventure for Young Readers
With its limited release, early reviews of the book are positive, boasting an impressive 5/5 stars on Goodreads.
One reader fittingly summed it up as “Janus Silang meets Goosebumps and Harry Potter,” but not a “dead ringer” for any of the novels.
“Danny (the protagonist) is a hero in his own right, and the use of a suburban town as setting deviates from the usual ‘strange and quiet barrio vibes’ that most aswang stories are set in. I have no doubt that kids/Gen Z audiences will take a liking to the novel and see themselves as participants in Danny and his friends’ adventures,” Cris Santos shared in his review.
“Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan is a captivating and entertaining novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a book for anyone who enjoys mysteries and the supernatural, as well as Filipino culture and mythology. It is also a book that explores themes such as friendship, family, identity, and courage. I personally recommended this to my sibling,” posted Maryann Campo.
For those itching to get their hands on this book, there’s also a golden opportunity for Pinoy mythology enthusiasts to grab a copy and even meet the maestro himself at his book signing at the Manila International Book Fair on September 17.
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