Chikiting Books operates within the children’s publishing tradition of Vibal, whose engagement with children’s literature began in 2002. Vibal initially developed imprints such as Golden Salakot Stories, a collection of storybooks in both English and Filipino. Chikiting Books subsequently emerged as another significant imprint within the company’s publishing portfolio.

Older Philippine publishing directories identify Chikiting Books as an imprint of Vibal Publishing, listing it alongside other major local publishers of children’s and young adult books.

The imprint has maintained a substantial presence at the Manila International Book Fair. In September 2018, Vibal launched ten new Chikiting Books titles at the 39th Manila International Book Fair held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. The launch featured interactive activities for children, including storytelling sessions, puppet shows, games, and performances.[1]

Chikiting Books is distinguished by its focus on children’s literature that integrates entertainment with education and character formation. Within Vibal’s publishing program, the imprint aims to enhance creativity and literacy while simultaneously promoting positive values and life lessons.

A defining characteristic of the imprint is its emphasis on content relevant to the Filipino child. Its catalog features stories centered on Filipino culture, folklore, history, food, geography, identity, family dynamics, and everyday experiences. This approach differentiates Chikiting Books from imprints that primarily import or translate international titles; instead, its identity is rooted in locally produced Filipino stories and creative work.

The Chikiting Books catalog encompasses a diverse range of subjects. Titles available through local booksellers include:

• Filipino folklore and mythology — such as Ang Tiyanak na Nagngangalang Bungisngis.
• Filipino personalities and historical figures — including Ang Batang Ayaw ng Keso, which focuses on Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, and Ang Makulay na Damit ni Mirra, about Catarina de San Juan.
• Social and cultural themes — such as Ang Bonggang-Bonggang Batang Beki / The Fierce and Fabulous Boy in Pink!.
• Health and everyday childhood experiences — including Bakit Tumataba si Bampi?.
• Philippine culture and knowledge — covering topics such as Philippine fauna, flora, food, traditional games, geography, and folklore.[2]

The imprint also publishes bilingual and English-Filipino editions. For instance, Tuwing Biyernes by Gerlie L. Bunag is cataloged as a bilingual children’s book published under the Chikiting Books imprint.

Chikiting Books publishes works by a wide array of Filipino writers and illustrators rather than adhering to a single house style or relying on a specific author. This approach brings together varied creative voices within the catalog.

One notable title is The Amazing Family Circus, written by Lauren V. Macaraeg and illustrated by Randy P. Valiente. Published by Chikiting Books / Vibal Group, this book received an official launch during the 2018 Manila International Book Fair.[1]

The catalog reflects a strong commitment to illustrated storytelling, featuring collaborations between writers and artists to produce books that are both visually engaging and literarily substantial.

Titles from Chikiting Books have been recognized by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), a key organization in the country’s children’s literature sector. PBBY award records list numerous picture books published by the imprint, including Paano Magbilang si Nanay?, Si Gino Gulay, Palaruang Bahaghari, Cassy’s Chair, Our Neighbor’s a Witch, Maruray, Ang Diwatang Hindi Kagandahan, Supremo Kiddo, Nang Matutong Magbasa si Mariano, Si Kuya Ding sa Imahelandia, and Viva, Pit Señor.

The inclusion of these titles in PBBY awards signifies the imprint’s active participation and standing within the professional children’s literature community in the Philippines.

A central tenet of Chikiting Books is its connection to Filipino culture. Publications frequently utilize Filipino settings, names, traditions, folklore, and social experiences as foundational elements for children’s narratives.

This cultural orientation is particularly evident in its informational series on Philippine heritage. Current collections include A Visual Guide to Philippine Fauna, A Visual Guide to Philippine Folklore, A Visual Guide to Philippine Food, A Visual Guide to Philippine Games, A Visual Guide to Philippine Geography, and A Visual Guide to Philippine Flora.[2]

Through these publications, the imprint functions not only as a children’s publisher but also as a vehicle for making Philippine culture and knowledge accessible to younger generations.

Chikiting Books operates as an imprint rather than an independent publishing company, functioning within the broader Vibal publishing ecosystem. Vibal is a major Philippine publishing organization with extensive experience in educational publishing. The Singapore Book Council describes Vibal as a household name in the industry and a leading provider of educational tools and resources for basic education for seven decades, specifically identifying Chikiting Books as one of its children’s book imprints.

This relationship provides Chikiting Books with access to Vibal’s established publishing, distribution, and educational infrastructure.

The term “chikiting” is a colloquial Filipino word referring to a child or little kid. The name immediately signals the imprint’s target audience and establishes a distinctly Filipino identity.

Chikiting Books holds a recognizable position in Philippine children’s publishing by addressing three primary objectives:

1. Children’s entertainment through illustrated stories and engaging characters.
2. Education and literacy via accessible books for young readers.
3. Cultural formation through narratives introducing Filipino values, traditions, history, and identity.

Its publication of award-winning picture books, participation in major book fairs, and continued presence in children’s book catalogs affirm its role within the broader Philippine children’s literature ecosystem.

Some older sources refer to “Vibal Publishing,” “LG&M Corporation,” or “Vibal Group” when describing Chikiting Books. These variations reflect changes in Vibal’s corporate and publishing structure over time and should not be interpreted as separate publishers. For example, a Quezon City Public Library catalog lists a 2009 Chikiting Books title as published by LG&M Corporation, while later sources explicitly associate the imprint with Vibal Group.

1. BOOK LAUNCH OF 10 NEW CHIKITING BOOKS @ MIBF 2018 (SEPTEMBER 14, 2018) – Lauren V. Macaraeg | Official Author Website
2. Chikiting Books – Pumplepie Books & Happiness