'Jalal and the Lake’ offers a look into Meranaw culture, environmental protection, and Muslim Filipino representation
Author Hanna Usman and Sari-Sari Storybooks publisher Christina Newhard visit a class at The Raya School in Quezon City. After a book reading and author Q&A, the students hold up "Jalal and the Lake" coloring sheets. Photo courtesy: Sari-Sari Storybooks
"Jalal and the Lake: A Meranaw Tale" tells the story of Jalal, a young boy who yearns to possess the magical, puffy clouds in the sky. However, his dream takes a dark turn when ominous visitors offer to grant his wish. In a moment of temptation, Jalal accepts and trades the purity of Lake Lanao. Once bountiful with fish and pristine water for drinking, bathing, and farming, the vast local lake became depleted. Jalal's dreams may have come true, but at what cost to his village and their environment?
Written by Hanna Usman and published by Sari-Sari Storybooks, "Jalal and the Lake" features pages in English and Meranaw, an Austronesian language spoken by the Meranaw people in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte in Mindanao. Usman, who grew up in Marawi City, hopes the bilingual children's book nurtures a love for literature among young readers and inspires more Filipinos to learn about the rich culture, art, and traditions of her community.
"With the advent of technology these days, artificial intelligence and everything that makes things accessible and convenient, I believe that reading is a skill that should be highly valued. The love of reading should be taught at an early age," Usman said.
Illustrator Marianne Palita brings the story to life through her Manga-style figures and digital watercolor backgrounds. Her artwork is inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Meranaw people and their efforts to protect Lake Lanao.
”It's one of the most colorful, beloved, and preserved cultures in the Philippines,” Palita said. “I hope young readers, especially those born with privileges, see more significance in preserving the environment they live in.”
Illustrations from “Jalal and the Lake” by Marianne J. Palita. Courtesy: Sari-Sari Storybooks
Lake Lanao has been central to Maranaw livelihood for generations. Estimated to be around 10 million years old, it is the second-largest lake in the Philippines and the largest in Mindanao.
“Being an ancient lake, it tells us many great stories of the Meranaws—the victories and losses in conflict and the Marawi siege,” Usman said. “It also tells us the beautiful stories of kapapagariya (brotherhood), kapamagawida (bayanihan), kapamagogopa (helping others), kapamagipata (mutual security or protection), and other values among the communities.”
As a Muslim Filipina lawyer and educator at Mindanao State University–General Santos City, Usman has dedicated her life to advocating for peace and environmental awareness. In "Jalal and the Lake," she explores issues around solid waste management, climate change, and the need to learn filial values that promote a healthier and more sustainable Earth.
Usman's commitment to environmental justice is rooted in the teachings of Islam. Amaanah, meaning trust in Arabic, refers to the responsibility entrusted to humans to care for the environment and its resources. Usman says this responsibility to present and future generations also extends to individuals in positions of power and leadership.
“An ethical leader should set aside his personal agenda and decide for the common good of the community. Leadership in Islam is not just about titles. It is an obligation to the community," Usman said.
Among the intentions behind the creation of “Jalal and the Lake” is to challenge misconceptions about Muslims and bring to light the realities they experience around the world.
"Understanding not only the Meranaw culture but also the different and beautiful culture and tradition of the whole of Mindanao is key to attaining sustainable peace and development,” Usman said. “Through the creative industry, we can finally tell our stories that we are peace-loving people and are more than how the mainstream media describe us.”
Author Hanna Usman reads "Jalal and the Lake" to her two nephews at the General Santos book launch at Mindanao State University-General Santos in October 2023. Photo courtesy: Sari-Sari Storybooks
Christina Newhard is the publisher of Sari-Sari Storybooks, which publishes children’s books in the diverse languages of the Philippines. She hopes readers will become enchanted with Meranaw culture from its dances, epics, food, weaving, carving, and other living traditions that connect Filipino culture to Indonesia and Muslim Southeast Asia.
“Getting to experience a people's humanity through story can counteract the negative stereotyping directed at Muslims worldwide—this comes from a lack of understanding of Islam and the many diverse cultures Muslims come from globally,” Newhard said. “It's cliché to say it, but books show us all the ways that people are the same and the ways that we are different in a relatable way.”
Through her work with Sari-Sari Storybooks, Newhard is committed to strengthening Filipino culture in a meaningful way. Drawing from her upbringing in a Catholic household, she sees connections between the shared values of service to others that are fundamental in Catholicism and Islam.
“That interdependence is something all Filipinos share in our common identity. It shows how relational we are and how we navigate conflict through kinship networks. I hope ‘Jalal’ reminds people of that and how that can show up in the Indigenous stewardship of the land,” Newhard said.
Above all, Newhard views literature as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding across diverse cultures and faiths.
“I hope stories like ‘Jalal’ act as a mirror to their rich heritage and that they see relatable heroes in the books they're reading now,” Newhard said. “Feeling seen and feeling proud of one's culture is a powerful thing for a child to experience, and something every child is entitled to feel.”
Author Hanna Usman takes a selfie with Sari-Sari Storybooks publisher Christina Newhard and creative writing students at the General Santos book launch at Mindanao State University-General Santos in October 2023. Photo courtesy: Sari-Sari Storybooks
UPCOMING TALK: Jalal and the Lake author, Hanna Usman, and publisher, Christina Buhain Newhard (Sari-Sari Storybooks) discuss the creation of this magical Muslim Filipino fairytale and the importance of diverse Filipino stories. The discussion will be moderated by the SFPL Filipino American Center librarian, Abraham Ignacio, with time at the end for audience Q&A.
May 15, 2024 from 6:00-7:00 PM/PT (virtual event)