In a little town in the Philippines, twelve-year-old Miguel knows every rice-field path, every mango tree, every face at the sari-sari store. Here, he is never lost. Here, everyone knows his name.
Then the day comes to leave. His mother has gone ahead to a faraway city called Sydney, and now Miguel must follow - saying goodbye to his beloved Lola and Lolo, climbing into a tricycle that pulls away down the dusty road, and boarding a plane to cross the world all by himself.
Australia is cold and enormous and strange. The words come too fast, the lunches smell wrong, and for a while nothing feels like home. But with his grandmother's words tucked inside his chest - "Take your home in here. It comes with you, wherever you go" - Miguel learns to be brave one small step at a time, until two homes beat inside one heart.
Bagong Umaga (Tagalog for "a new morning") is a gentle, true-to-life picture book about migration, belonging, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. Based on a real childhood journey, it's a tender gift for any child standing at the edge of something new.
Inside this book: A heartfelt story of courage, family, and finding home in a new countryWarm, soft watercolour illustrations on every pageA celebration of Filipino culture - with a friendly glossary of Filipino wordsA real author's note about the true story behind the bookPerfect for ages 7-10 - and for the grown-ups who love themA perfect read for: immigrant and migrant families, Filipino-Australian and Filipino-American homes, first days at a new school, kids facing a big move, and anyone teaching children about empathy, diversity, and resilience.
Same sun. New sky. Bagong umaga - a new morning.