What Makes a Family

Celebrating the Filipino Day of the Dead

Eric Ruiz Roxas author Aldy Aguirre illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Lantana Publishing

Published:17th Sep '26

Should be back in stock very soon

What Makes a Family cover

During Undas, the Filipino Day of the Dead, a brother and sister find that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to families.

During Undas, the Filipino Day of the Dead, a brother and sister learn that families aren’t defined by their size, wealth, gender or distance from one another, but by the love they share in life and beyond.

It is Undas, the Filipino Day of the Dead where all gather at the cemetery, not to mourn but to celebrate. Today, Pedrito and Pipay will encounter families of all shapes and sizes, all united in their desire to honour their loved ones. Whether through quiet prayer and contemplation or joyful song and laughter, whether through the sharing of great feasts or the lighting of a single candle, each family will find a way to pay tribute. In this exquisitely illustrated story of family love within a diverse and inclusive community, life and hope continue despite the sadness of loss.

"Desaturated watercolors offer an ethereal feel that pairs ideally with the reflective tone of this elegant, subdued meditation on enduring love and memory." —Publishers Weekly


"Soft watercolor illustrations gently depict the wide variety of family dynamics in an impressionistic style, creating a moving portrayal of a Filipino tradition with a powerful message about love and belonging." —Booklist


"A lovely glimpse into a lesser-known Filipino holiday." —Kirkus Reviews


"A beautiful and memorable exploration of culture, love, family and grief, showing how those we’ve lost can remain part of our lives and celebrations." — Inclusive Books for Children, Top Pick


"Exquisite." — Candy Gourlay. award-winning author of Little Rhino Lost and Bone Talk

ISBN: 9781836290339

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

32 pages