Humor and Wisdom in "Ang Pitong Tanga" by Severino Reyes

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16060456-ang-pitong-tanga

"Ang Pitong Tanga" or known as "The Seven Idiots" by Severino Reyes, and illustrataed by Ruben De Jesus, tells the story of seven foolish young men who become friends by chance in a town in Cagayan, Luzon. They are named Huwan, Kanuto, Aleho, Heremias, Tiago, Kosme, and Nikolas, collectively known as "Ang Pitong Tanga." They mistakenly believe one of them has drowned during a river swim and engage in absurd attempts to help with household tasks. The story revolves around their comical and often misguided adventures, ultimately showcasing the difficulties of dealing with individuals who lack common sense and wisdom.

Given that it depicts the cultural environment of the Philippines, notably in the town of Cagayan in Luzon, the artwork style of this story is folk art. The narrative sheds light on the rural Filipino way of life, particularly on family mealtimes. It also depicts their routine chores, such as gathering water from the well, chopping wood, gathering food, and preparing meals. When it comes to the medium, the illustrator employs eye-friendly use of colors through the use of color pencil to enhance and give the landscape more life and vibrancy. Crayons are also visible in the character details, particularly in the skin tone. Additionally, there is symmetry, harmony, complementariness, and mutual support between the text and the illustration. 

This story is pregnant with wisdom that deserves a place in Seventh-Day Adventist schools or any other schools with different religious and cultural backgrounds. Beyond its role as entertainment, it subtly imparts crucial educational insights. The story serves as a poignant reminder that “If you keep doing what you used to do, you will keep getting the result you used to get.” The phrase serves as a reflection on a lack of personal development or growth. As they continue to do what they have always done, it leads to the same predictable and often the same consequences. It encourages the readers to consider the consequences of mindlessly following established patterns without questioning or seeking improvement. As Ellen G. White's teachings on stewardship, the story delicately weaves in the responsibility bestowed upon individuals, teaching readers how to handle entrusted matters with care and dedication. Moreover, it fosters character development and instills values, inspiring readers to embrace self-development and growth. This book, therefore, encourages readers of all ages to embark on a journey of continuous learning and self-discovery and to be proactive in seeking positive change and growth by breaking away from old patterns that may be limiting their potential.

Wonder and Faith: 'Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is?' by Robert E. Wells

 

 

 https://www.amazon.com/Whale-Biggest-Thing-Knowledge-Science/dp/0807536563

 

"Is the Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is?" by Robert E. Wells is a children's science book that explores the concept of size and scale in the natural world. The book takes readers on a journey to discover the relative sizes of various animals and objects, using the blue whale as a central point of comparison. Throughout the book, the author introduces readers to a variety of animals and even planets in the solar system. By comparing these different entities in terms of size and weight, the book helps children understand the concept of scale. The central message of the book is that size is relative, and what is "big" or "small" depends on what you compare it to.

The art style in this story leans towards realism and representation, because the illustrations seem so real and it contains presents factual information. While maintaining this realistic style, a subtle touch of cartoonish is evident as it strategically exaggerating certain elements to serve as helpful guides, reinforcing the core concept of relative size. This intentional exaggeration heightens the suspense, particularly in the revelation of the story's grandest elements. The illustrator employs water color to infuse vibrancy into the depiction of presented objects. Cross-hatching lines are applied to emphasize movement and intricate details of the objects. The strategic use of color hues becomes essential for enhancing small details, and color pastels contribute to the background's portrayal. These visual elements not only complement the text but also serve as a visual aid for young readers, offering a tangible means to grasp the concept of size comparisons. Careful choices in font size, style, and spacing enhance readability, ensuring accessibility and engagement for the audience.

 

In terms of recommendation, this story holds potential for Seventh-Day Adventist Schools, offering a valuable opportunity to introduce and underscore the concept of God as the creator of the universe. The educational aspect is purposefully woven into the storyline, sparking a sense of awe and a curiosity to delve deeper into the wonders of creation. This exploration aligns with the acknowledgment of our Creator, the vastness of the universe, and the marvels of existence. The narrative, in its profound examination of the universe's magnitude, stands as a testament to the belief in God as the ultimate creator, inviting both educators and parents to embrace its educational and spiritual value.