Get ready for some adventure in the pages and sounds of a new CHamoru language children’s book.
Kumisi贸n i Fino鈥 CHamoru yan Fina鈥檔a虋鈥檊uen i Historia yan Lina鈥檒a鈥 i Taotao Ta虋no鈥 or the Commission on CHamoru Language and the Teaching of the History and Culture of the Indigenous People of Guam announced the release of “I Bi氓hen Kiko鈥 gi i Engkant腔o na Gigipu na S氓kman,” a newly narrated children鈥檚 digital read-along book by Laura M. Torres Souder, PhD, and Frank Thomas 鈥淜iko鈥 Freitas Guzman.
The book’s title translates to “Kiko’s Journey on the Enchanted Flying Proa.”
The commission announced the new book in celebration of National Reading Day.
This release marks a significant milestone as the first book in a series highlighting CHamoru authors and storytellers, aimed at preserving and revitalizing the CHamoru language through literature, the commission said in a release.
Kiko’s adventure
The story follows 7-year-old Kiko, who visits an ancient CHamoru burial site with his Auntie Lo in the village of Tomhom.
While exploring the nearby beach, he discovers a hidden s氓kman in a seaside cave. Climbing in, Kiko gently drifts into sleep.
When Kiko wakes up, he is left wondering, was it just a dream, or something more?
The narrated version brings this tale to life through expressive CHamoru narration, offering an engaging cultural and educational resource for learners, educators and families.
“I Bi氓hen Kiko鈥 gi i Engkant腔o na Gigipu na S氓kman” is now available through the Kumisi贸n鈥檚 website at kumisionchamoru.guam.gov and in their linktree on all social media platforms.