I Mambiha Na Tiempo
Childrens’ Picture Book, Character Design
Based on a popular CHamoru folk song on Guåhan (Guam), “I Mambiha na Tiempo” by master storyteller and Kåntan Chamorita singer Clotilde Castro Gould and acclaimed recording artist Johnny Sablan celebrates CHamoru elders and reminds youth to cherish time spent with them. This book is a part of a series of children’s books based on CHamoru songs published by UOG Press.
Challenge: The lyrics of this song are humorous and playful but stress the CHamoru people’s appreciation for elders. The illustrations should be lively and equally humorous to the themes of the song.
Solution: I created fun and playful illustrations that portrayed mischievous and goofy neighborhood kids following around the elder women, at first making fun of their ways (as depicted in the lyrics) without being disrespectful. Over the course of the story, you’ll see how the kids gradually show their curiosity, appreciation, and respect towards their elders.