Riding Through Rice Fields: A Trip to the Philippines

A gorgeously written picture book about how healing it can be to return home, the natural beauty of the Philippines, and the concept of bayanihan.

A trip home reminds us of who we are.


Mateo and his dad live lonely, disconnected lives in the city. Every night at dinner, they look at each other, but they don’t really see each other.

When they arrive in the Philippines for a family reunion, Mateo sees something in his dad’s eyes that he’s never seen before--adventure. Mateo and his dad embark on an epic bicycle trip to his father’s childhood home, and along the way, they catch fish in a turquoise river, pick coconuts from a tall tree, and ride through one glorious rice field after another.

While Mateo learns more about this side of his father that he never knew, he also learns about bayanihan--people in the community coming together to help someone in need. When the trip comes to an end, it’s difficult to say goodbye, but not only do Mateo and his dad bring home a stronger relationship as father and son, they also carry bayanihan back to their life in the city and strengthen the ties in their community.

Michelle Sterling is an author, photographer, and speech-language pathologist. When Lola Visits, her first picture book illustrated by Aaron Asis, received four starred reviews and was named a Kirkus Best Book of the Year and an ALSC Notable Children’s Book of the Year. Her subsequent picture books A Sweet New Year for Ren, illustrated by Dung Ho, and Maribel’s Year, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, also received positive reviews. Find Michelle online at www.averyandaugustine.com.

Bianca Austriais a Filipino American artist who grew up in Manila, Philippines, and is currently based in Long Beach, California. Her work tends to revolve around her travels and childhood memories, often visualized in a playful and whimsical style. She also takes pride in using her art to empower her Filipino culture as well as other underrepresented communities. You can visit Bianca Austria at BiancaAustria.art or follow her on Instagram @BiancaAustria.