The University of Guam Press is coming out with a special collection of children’s books celebrating CHamoru music, language and culture.  The series includes four books inspired by beloved CHamoru songs new and old.  UOG Press is launching the Kantan CHamoru children’s book series on November 4 at 2:30pm at the CHamoru Village main pavilion in Hagatna. 

Kiana Brown told KUAM News, "Of course, the books themselves are a celebration of the Kantan CHamoru tradition in the CHamoru culture. These books all celebrate CHamoru songs, long beloved songs, but also songs from new voices."

Brown, UOG Press's youth empowerment grant project manager, invites the community to attend., saying, "It’s an opportunity for families and children to learn these songs, to learn what they mean, and see themselves represented on the pages. They are all illustrated very beautifully by different CHamoru artists."

The collection features the Inifresi written by Dr. Bernadita Camacho-Dungca, I Wonder Where the Yellow Went by Desiree Taimanglo Ventura, I Mambiha Na Tiempo by Castro Gould, and I Anonsio-Hu by Pedro Blas. 

Blas himself, shared, "It's really surreal. Never in my life did I think I would make it into a book, let alone the song 'I Anonsio-hu' when I wrote it back in 2019, I never thought that it would reach the lengths that it has."

The local musician excited to see his CHamoru reggae song transformed into a physical book.  "I think this book is a full circle moment for where I’ve gotten in life through writing music and perpetuating the culture that’s summed up in this book right here. So it’s exciting."

In either of its forms, “I Anonsio-hu '' aims to uplift the CHamoru people and culture. 

"I’ve always believed that there’s a common misconception that the CHamoru language, the culture, the practices are dying. I never like to say that. And it’s through initiatives like this that we can really see that its not. It’s being revitalized to the best of our abilities in whatever capacity that we can," said Blas.

Families can meet writers and illustrators at the book launch next Saturday. There will also be fun activities like a traditional rope weaving demonstration and live musical performances.