Please, Papa

Reach for this book when your child expresses a blend of nighttime anxiety and a budding fascination with monsters. It is particularly effective for families looking to normalize cultural folklore within a loving, modern domestic setting. The story follows a young girl's bedtime interaction with her father, who happens to be a manananggal, a Filipino creature that can split its body in half. While the premise sounds frightening, the book reimagines the myth through the lens of a gentle parent-child bond. It explores themes of heritage and unconditional love, framing the father's supernatural nature as just another part of their family life. For children ages 4 to 8, it provides a safe space to explore 'scary' concepts while feeling securely anchored by the presence of a devoted parent. It is an excellent choice for celebrating Southeast Asian identity or for any child who needs to see that even the most different or unusual figures can be sources of deep comfort.