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Taiguini Books publishes cultural and indigenous literature for adults and children, with the goal of capturing and preserving the eloquence and depth of the dynamic Micronesian storytelling tradition in written form. 

In partnership with Guam’s Festival of the Pacific Arts Kumitehan Fina’che’cho’ Lepblon Famagu’on gi i Fino’ Natibu Siha, in the summer of 2016, Taiguini Books published four children’s books written in the CHamoru language. The books highlight the beauty and depth of the CHamoru language and culture and explore the roles of family, nature, and interconnectedness in shaping CHamoru children.

Taiguini Books is committed to expanding its collection of cultural literature to include novels, collections of short stories, poetry, and children’s books written about and for the people of Micronesia. If you or anyone you know is interested in publishing cultural literature, please see our submission guidelines.


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Taiguini Books Publications 

13 Months in Malesso'

13 Months in Malesso'

Author(s):

  Dolores Barcinas Santos  

Year of Publication:
2019
Illustrator:

Jessica Perez-Jackson

Format:
Hardcover
Price: $20.00

CHamoru ancestors in the Mariana Islands marked time using the phases of the moon and the important seasons in their lives. Months were named to describe seasonal weather and the best times to fish, plant, and harvest food. Just like their ancestors, the Barcinas girls – Lole’, Lia, Rita, Arisa, and Ha’åne’ – mark time using the seasons of their beautiful village of Malesso’ in southern Guam. 13 Months in Malesso' captures a distinctly CHamoru sense of time and place, and beautifully illustrates the many ways in which the island of Guam nourishes and sustains its people.

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Cover image of Taimanu na Ini

Taimanu na Ini

Author(s):

  Peter R. Onedera  

Year of Publication:
2018
Format:
Paperback
Price: $15.00

This lyrical collection of CHamoru poetry features the reflections of Master Storyteller, author and poet Peter Onedera. Taimanu na Ini highlights the physical beauty of Guam, while tackling modern-day issues including the importance of preserving the CHamoru language and culture. Onedera’s heartfelt poetry presents history through his eyes, expresses his appreciation for Guam’s historical symbols, tackles political debates, and portrays the island lifestyle. Onedera has actively been involved in preserving the indigenous language and culture of the Marianas Islands as a storyteller, playwright, educator, author, and poet. He received the Master Storyteller Award presented by the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency in 2015. He is also a member of the CHamoru Language Commission.
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Chepchop Unai

Chepchop Unai

Author(s):

  Catherine Payne  

Year of Publication:
2018
Illustrator:

Neill Catangay

Format:
Hardcover
Price: $15.00

At the seashore, or chepchop unai, a young boy named Juan learns how to build sand sculptures from his uncle. Although he is met with obstacles along the way, Juan keeps trying until he becomes a talented sand sculptor. Chepchop Unai highlights the beauty and importance of intergenerational sharing in the CHamoru culture. The book features captivating illustrations of Juan and his family at the beach and the unique island-inspired sand sculptures he creates there. Chepchop Unai is written mainly in English, and utilizes CHamoru words and phrases throughout the story to help teach the language.
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Guaiyayon na Trongkon Mansanita (The Loveable Mansanita Tree) cover

Guaiyayon na Trongkon Mansanita (The Loveable Mansanita Tree)

Author(s):

  Dolores Indalecio Camacho  

Year of Publication:
2016
Illustrator:

Andrea Nicole Grajek

Format:
Paperback
Price: $17

Guaiyayon na Trongkon Mansanita (The Loveable Mansanita Tree) highlights the special bond shared between three young sisters, who found sanctuary and adventure under the canopy of their loveable mansanita tree. Set in 1950s Guam, this book captures a time when children discovered joy in nature and in each other.

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I Malingu Na Påtgon (The Lost Child) cover

I Malingu Na Påtgon (The Lost Child)

Author(s):

  Rufina Fejeran Mendiola  

Year of Publication:
2016
Illustrator:

Joseph Flores Sablan

Format:
Paperback
Price: $16

I Malinguna Påtgon (The Lost Child) tells the story of a young girl named Bella, who feels like she has been forgotten by her large and very busy family. She finds friendship and love in her garden. Through captivating illustrations, I Malinguna Påtgon depicts key CHamoru values, particularly the importance of family and working together.
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Ma Guaiya Yu', si Nåna yan si Tåta (Grandma and Grandpa Love Me) cover

Ma Guaiya Yu', si Nåna yan si Tåta (Grandma and Grandpa Love Me)

Author(s):

  Simone Bollinger and Dana Bollinger  

Year of Publication:
2016
Illustrator:

Cielo de los Reyes

Format:
Paperback
Price: $12

Ma Guaiya Yu’, si Nåna yan si Tåta (Grandma and Grandpa Love Me) is a vibrant picture book featuring lovely watercolor illustrations that depict the many ways grandparents show their love to their grandchildren. From holding hands in church to going on hikes in the jungle, this story describes the important role grandparents play in the lives of ifamagu’on-ta, our children.

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Si Pedro yan i Hilét Oru na Ko’ko’ (Pedro and the Golden Ko’ko’) cover

Si Pedro yan i Hilét Oru na Ko'ko' (Pedro and the Golden Ko'ko')

Author(s):

  Lance J. Osborn  

Year of Publication:
2016
Illustrator:

Lance J. Osborn

Format:
Paperback
Price: $15

Si Pedro yan i Hilet Oru na Ko’ko’ (Pedro and the Golden Ko’Ko’) is an exciting tale of a young boy named Pedro from Malesso’, who is on a quest to capture the clever Golden Ko’ko’. The Golden Ko’ko’ only comes around every 100 years, and Pedro, determined to catch him, spends his days setting up traps along the Ko’ko’s path in southern Guam.

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