British writer launches book set on Philippine island
03/20/2011
LONDON - A British author has launched a children’s novel set on a Philippine island between Palawan and Boracay, featuring mysterious ‘bayawak’ characters against a mesmerizing tropical background.
A family holiday in the Philippines in 2004 inspired British writer Emma Excell to pen a children’s novel set on one of its 7,100 islands. Aptly entitled “Pamalican Island”, the book follows the adventures of twins Toby and Alice as they join their grandparents on a holiday of a lifetime.
“The story starts when the children in the book find a letter at their grandparents’ house and realize that something is going on, but they’re not exactly sure what,” Excell told ABS-CBN Europe.
“Each chapter is very exciting, and I wanted to talk about the wildlife on the island because it’s so beautiful, and the monitor lizards on the island fascinated me and the children.”
Excell and her family stayed at the Amanpulo resort in the private island of Pamalican, part of Cuyo Islands in the midwestern Philippine archipelago, situated between the popular islands of Palawan and Boracay.
“We knew of the Aman group of hotels and we were very keen to go to the Philippines. We’ve never been and it just looks so beautiful,” she recalled.
“It was just amazing. It was surreal, in fact. I’ve never been to an island with white sand, and I couldn’t believe it. The pictures didn’t do it justice at all. It was just stunning. Really, really beautiful.”
The natural beauty of Pamalican created an exotic backdrop for the book and its mystical creatures inspired by bayawaks, the local monitor lizards.
“Each chapter pushes you to read the next. It’s fascinating partly from the nature aspect of it, because children absolutely adore creatures, and it’s quite a quirky story and I think children like that.”
Aimed at a young demographic, the book comes complete with charming handmade illustrations by artist Shirley Chaplin, who used watercolor to bring the story to life.
“Emma’s writing is very imaginative and very pictorial,” she said. “The setting was beautiful. Who wouldn’t want to draw that sort of place? And the lizards were very interesting. I like anything to do with conservation and ecology, so it’s a real challenge to do that.”
Chaplin, a childhood friend of the author, also drew inspiration from something closer to home. “I recognized the characters from her own family,” she recalled. “So that made it easier, and funnier. We had our little jokes that we could share.”
'Magical'
Since its release, the book has enjoyed a positive reception from young readers and parents alike. “I really recommend Pamalican Island because it is a brilliant book that is mysterious and exciting, and you don't know what is really happening until the end. It rocks and I can't wait for part two," enthused one avid reader on the Amazon retail website.
A pleased parent also wrote: "Amazing book. My 8- and 6-year-old kids can't put it down. I get so much done while they're busy. Can't wait for the follow-up."
"Pamalican Island is a wonderful story told with the sparkle of fun and a true understanding of the magic of childhood. A magical journey for any child who dreams of desert islands," observed Raffaella Barker, a prolific writer and author of several books including “Summertime” and “Poppyland”.
“It’s a very charming and fun book for children,” added Maria Theresa Dizon de Vega, Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in London, speaking to ABS-CBN Europe at the book launch hosted by the embassy.
“I think adult readers will also find something of value in the book, and it’s wonderful to encounter a book inspired by a foreigner's visit to one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.”
Excell signed copies of her book at its launch at the Cultural Center of the Philippine embassy in central London, where she also delivered a speech to introduce the book in front of a thrilled audience. Guests were treated to a selection of Filipino canapes, as well as a display of images from the book with live indigenous folk music.
Born in England, Excell has cultivated a broad knowledge of the Far East and is currently building a villa in Sri Lanka. A keen traveler, she lived in Japan and Germany before settling back in the UK. She lives in Hampshire with her husband and 4 children.
"Pamalican Island" by Emma Excell is published by Matador.
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