Good morning, I wanted to share a press release with you for a children’s book. The Angel of Santo Tomas written by Tammy Yee. I would like to get Charlie a copy of The Angel of Santo Tomas as well as my niece Lily and my nephew Jason. I hope you will check out the book as well.
Tumblehome Books is pleased to present our newest biography for kids, THE ANGEL OF SANTO TOMAS. A story about Filipina pediatrician Fe del Mundo that will inspire children to pursue science and medicine in the service of humanity.
A STORY ABOUT BRAVERY, DEDICATION, AND A PROMISE KEPT
When Fe del Mundo’s sister died, Fe vowed to fulfill her sister’s dream of becoming a doctor. This is the story of how she kept that promise, from the Philippines to America and back, through World War II and beyond, acting always with courage and care.
“A lovely and inspiring biography of a benevolent, innovative female Asian doctor.
This picture-book biography celebrates not only del Mundo’s many accomplishments in medicine, but also her compassion and humanitarianism. The full-color digital illustrations depict details of Filipino culture, like architecture and clothing, while also beautifully capturing del Mundo’s gentleness and her emotions.”
~ Kirkus Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
Tammy Yee is an award-winning author/illustrator who grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. After graduating from college, she cared for children as a pediatric nurse. Having her own children rekindled her love for picture books, so in 1994 she exchanged her stethoscope for a paintbrush and has been writing and illustrating ever since. www.tammyyee.com
Title: The Angel of Santo Tomas Author: Tammy Yee
ISBN 13: 978-1943431748
Children’s Asian & Asian American Books Ages: 5-10
Hardcover: 36 pages; 1.74 pounds Dimensions: 0.35 X 10.98 X 8.46 inches Price: US $16.95
Launch Date: February 1, 2022
Publisher: www.tumblehomebooks.org
INTERVIEW WITH TAMMY
1. What inspired you to write The Angel of Santo Tomas?
My husband, a Filipino-American pediatrician, told me about Filipina pediatrician Fe del Mundo and how she was the first woman and first Asian to study at Harvard Medical School. We were living in Boston at the time, far from our home in Hawaii, and I could only imagine that she felt as excited, yet displaced, as we did to live in a big and unfamiliar city. The more I learned about her, the more I wanted to write about her. Here was a woman of color who was a pediatrician, scientist, author, educator and lifelong advocate for the welfare of children, who received multiple awards for her humanitarian work and for her dedication to “the poorest of the poor.” I wanted her story to inspire children.
2. What was most challenging about creating this book?
I struggled to find a narrative thread to tell her story. What drove her to dedicate her life to helping others? Her own words gave me the answer: “She kept a little notebook where she wrote that she wanted to take up medicine. When she died, I decided to take her place.” The story took the shape of a promise— a promise to fulfill her sister’s dream. I asked myself, what event would best exemplify her courage and selfless dedication?
In 1941, as WWII began in the Pacific, Fe faced a choice. She could remain in Boston, where she could safely continue her studies, or return to the Philippines, where she was needed most. Fe kept her promise and returned to the Philippines to care for the American and British children who were forced into an internment camp at the University of Santo Tomas.
Her story resonates today, at a time where migrant children face uncertain futures in detainment. Fe could not bear children suffering. She spoke up and did something. She kept her promise to her sister, and to children in need.
3. How did you create the illustrations?
I created the illustrations in Procreate on an iPad Pro and in Adobe Photoshop. I researched photos, maps, and documents to recreate the Philippines and Boston in the 1940s—clothing, hair, buildings, vehicles. Everything down to the headlines on the newspapers and magazines in the newsstand! I can’t tell you how many times I lost myself googling kalesas (Filipino horse-drawn carriages) and Kurogane scout cars to get an illustration just right.
The Angel of Santo Tomas deals with serious topics—I wanted my illustrations to reflect the challenges that Fe encountered, yet be sensitive to young readers. Ultimately, I wanted to create a book that conveyed hope.
4. Is it difficult to be the author and illustrator of a book?
In picture books, illustrations do half the work. Pictures show what the words don’t tell. Mapping the book visually as an illustrator helps me to identify spots in the story that interfere with the pacing, and make changes to the manuscript. In my case, the author and illustrator get along, so it makes my work much easier!
ABOUT TUMBLEHOME, INC.
Tumblehome, Inc. is dedicated to inspiring kids’ love of science through the power of story. The catalog includes STEM fiction and nonfiction works for kids from 3 years of age to 12+. Tumblehome has garnered many accolades for their titles. Several books have received the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) – Children’s Book Council (CBC) Outstanding Science Trade Book award, one title has been named a Junior Library Guild selection, and another was dubbed the INDIEFAB book of the year by Foreword Reviews. Most recently, their first art book received an Independent Book Publisher Award (IPPY). Tumblehome, Inc. is a nonprofit headquartered in Boston.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
