Photos courtesy of University of Guam Press ()
The University of Guam Press is launching its newest publication, “I Lalai i Bilembaotuyan,” a children’s book written by Catherine Payne and John Payne II and illustrated by Veronica Cruz.
The book launch will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library in Hagåtña, where there will be a reading and signing by the book’s authors and artist.
The book shares the story of Lålai, a young girl whose grandfather, Tåtan Bihu, teaches her how to play the bilembaotuyan — a CHamoru instrument that makes a beautiful and unique sound when struck with a hitting stick.
Lålai uses the instrument to share the teachings of her Tåtan Bihu with her younger cousins, showing that music is a gift passed down from one generation to the next. The book teaches children the importance of patience, practice, and hard work and highlights the importance of elders in the community.
“For our children to have more fulfilled lives, they need a connection to our grandparents’ values, such as perseverance and respect,” John Payne said.
(From left) Catherine Payne, John Payne II, and Veronica Cruz.
In addition to sharing the wisdom of elders and knowledge about the bilembaotuyan, the book also touches on mental health and how to talk to young children about grief, a key theme in the story.
“I also want children to know that it is okay to feel that life can be difficult, but we can move on — that perseverance can get us through difficult times,” he said.
Catherine Payne said was inspired to write this story after hearing the bilembaotuyan being played when she was very young.
“I heard the bilembaotuyan during CHamoru Week in elementary school, and it has lived in my heart since then,” she said. “Once I had the writing skills to craft narratives for children, I collaborated with my brother on this manuscript to honor bilembaotuyan players and all other CHamoru musicians.”
At the book’s launch, a special musical demonstration of the instrument will be given by Delores Taitano Quinata, who learned how to play the instrument from Jesus Meno Crisostomo, a master bilembaotuyan maker and player. Quinata has kept the tradition alive by teaching her children and others in the community how to make and play the instrument.
Plans for an “I Lalai i Bilembaotyan” audiobook and a bilembaotuyan-making workshop hosted by Quinata are forthcoming. Patrons are encouraged to follow UOG Press on Instagram and Facebook at @uogpress to stay updated on all upcoming events.
Pre-orders for the book are available now for $15 on uogpress.com/. Sales in all local bookstores will begin after the launch on Sept. 17.
For more information, please contact UOG Press Publicist Via De Fant at (671) 735-2153 or defantv@triton.uog.edu.
