Diwa of Mount Luntian: A New Children's Picture Book to Be Released March 17, 2026

NATIONWIDE - JANUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) A captivating new children's picture book, Diwa of Mount Luntian, will be released on March 17, 2026, offering young readers an immersive experience rooted in Philippine folklore, nature, and emotional care. Written by Cleodia Martinez and beautifully illustrated by Paola Santos, the book invites children into the peaceful world of Mount Luntian, where rhythm, observation, and reflection guide the daily experiences of its central character, Diwa.

Diwa of Mount Luntian follows the journey of Diwa, a young diwata—a mystical figure from Filipino folklore—as she moves through an ordinary yet serene day. The book emphasizes a gentle rhythm that mirrors the calm flow of nature, showing how Diwa interacts with the world around her, grounded in quiet moments of emotional awareness. With its tranquil pacing, the story gently introduces children ages 4 to 7 to the beauty of mindfulness, steady observation, and the importance of emotional steadiness. Through the character of Diwa, children are invited to reflect on the small, often unnoticed details of life, such as the rustling of leaves or the gentle sway of trees in the wind.

Designed to be shared between children and their caregivers, the book fosters meaningful interactions and conversations about emotions, nature, and the importance of self-awareness. By weaving these themes into a simple, relatable story, Diwa of Mount Luntian offers more than just entertainment—it creates an opportunity for bonding and learning about the inner world of young readers.

This book is the first in the Mount Luntian series, a collection of illustrated stories inspired by classical Filipino folk archetypes, presented in a contemporary, non-frightening context. Rather than focusing on fear-driven storytelling, the series highlights values like care, mindfulness, and attentiveness, with the stories crafted to inspire a sense of peace and understanding in young readers. Future books in the series will introduce new characters inspired by Philippine folklore, each offering their own lessons rooted in nature and emotional awareness.

A unique feature of Diwa of Mount Luntian is the complimentary companion activity kit that accompanies the book. This kit includes a variety of activities designed to extend the reading experience beyond the pages of the book. It includes simple observation exercises, drawing prompts, and reflective activities that encourage children to connect with the themes of the story in a hands-on, creative way. The kit aims to deepen the bond between child and adult while helping children develop important emotional and cognitive skills in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.

The book will be available for purchase through major online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org, making it easily accessible to readers worldwide. The companion activity kit, which enhances the learning experience, can be found at https://midsummerstudio.com/mountluntian, providing a seamless way to integrate the story into everyday life.

Cleodia Martinez, the writer behind Diwa of Mount Luntian, is also the founder of Midsummer Studio, a publishing house dedicated to creating illustrated stories for children. With a focus on exploring themes of nature, rhythm, and emotional steadiness, Midsummer Studio’s works aim to foster a deeper connection between children and the world around them. Martinez's vision is to provide stories that cultivate a calm, reflective space where children can learn about themselves, others, and the environment in a gentle and accessible way.

The illustrator of Diwa of Mount Luntian, Paola Santos, draws upon the rich traditions of Filipino folklore, nature, and expressive line work to bring the world of Mount Luntian to life. Her illustrations, which blend elements of cultural heritage with modern artistic sensibilities, offer a stunning visual counterpart to Martinez’s soothing prose. This collaboration between Martinez and Santos marks a new chapter in the Mount Luntian series, with more enchanting stories and illustrations to come.

Through Diwa of Mount Luntian, young readers will discover a world of wonder and emotional growth, offering an alternative to the more fast-paced, entertainment-driven narratives often found in children's literature. By embracing the themes of observation, care, and emotional mindfulness, the book aims to nurture a generation of children who are attuned to the rhythms of nature and their own inner worlds. With its gentle pacing and thoughtful storytelling, Diwa of Mount Luntian is a perfect addition to any child's library, creating moments of quiet connection and reflection for years to come.

Explore Mount Luntian:
Mount Luntian Official Page
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