{"product_id":"riding-through-rice-fields-a-trip-to-the-philippines-9780593623077","title":"Riding Through Rice Fields: A Trip to the Philippines","description":"\u003cb\u003eA gorgeously written picture book about how healing it can be to return home, the natural beauty of the Philippines, and the concept of bayanihan.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eA trip home reminds us of who we are.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMateo and his dad live lonely, disconnected lives in the city. Every night at dinner, they look at each other, but they don't really see each other. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhen they arrive in the Philippines for a family reunion, Mateo sees something in his dad's eyes that he's never seen before--adventure. Mateo and his dad embark on an epic bicycle trip to his father's childhood home, and along the way, they catch fish in a turquoise river, pick coconuts from a tall tree, and ride through one glorious rice field after another. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhile Mateo learns more about this side of his father that he never knew, he also learns about bayanihan--people in the community coming together to help someone in need. When the trip comes to an end, it's difficult to say goodbye, but not only do Mateo and his dad bring home a stronger relationship as father and son, they also carry bayanihan back to their life in the city and strengthen the ties in their community.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMichelle Sterling is an author, photographer, and speech-language pathologist. \u003ci\u003eWhen Lola Visits\u003c\/i\u003e, her first picture book illustrated by Aaron Asis, received four starred reviews and was named a \u003ci\u003eKirkus\u003c\/i\u003e Best Book of the Year and an ALSC Notable Children's Book of the Year. Her subsequent picture books \u003ci\u003eA Sweet New Year for Ren\u003c\/i\u003e, illustrated by Dung Ho, and \u003ci\u003eMaribel's Year\u003c\/i\u003e, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, also received positive reviews. Find Michelle online at www.averyandaugustine.com. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBianca Austria\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eis a Filipino American artist who grew up in Manila, Philippines, and is currently based in Long Beach, California. Her work tends to revolve around her travels and childhood memories, often visualized in a playful and whimsical style. She also takes pride in using her art to empower her Filipino culture as well as other underrepresented communities. You can visit Bianca Austria at BiancaAustria.art or follow her on Instagram @BiancaAustria.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Viking Books for Young Readers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51186970984722,"sku":"9780593623077","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_66048d16-2a6c-4089-86af-4f3b093009c7.jpg?v=1744635371","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/riding-through-rice-fields-a-trip-to-the-philippines-9780593623077","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}