Diwa of Mount Luntian
Diwa of Mount Luntian
Martinez, Cleodia (Author) , Santos, Paola (Illustrator)
Midsummer: 2026
Hardcover: New
9798994274804
Target Age Group: 3-8 years.
Inspired by Philippine mythic creatures, Diwa of Mount Luntian follows a young diwata through her day, using sensory moments and glowing feelings to help children build emotional awareness, inner trust, and a sense of safety.
Little Diwa is a diwata, a spirit guardian of Mount Luntian whose glow changes with every feeling. Her days unfold in a familiar pattern of light and rest, movement and listening. As she moves through the world, Diwa learns that caring for the mountain begins with caring for herself, finding steadiness in what returns again and again.
From waking with the sun and sharing warm food, to school days spent climbing trees, listening closely to the land, and drawing stories by hand, Diwa moves through her world with attention and curiosity. Her glow shifts with her inner experience-soft pink with joy, rainbow-bright with excitement, green and settling in the garden, and red when frustration rises. As Diwa notices these changes, children are invited to notice their own feelings too, recognizing themselves in the colors of her glow.
Through presence, rhythm, and attention to the natural world, this story offers shared reading moments that help children feel held by the day, nurturing self-love and an inner sense of trust that becomes a quiet foundation for growing up.
Readers can extend the experience with a downloadable Activity Kit featuring reflection prompts and creative activities inspired by Diwa's day.
Contributor Bio: Martinez, Cleodia
Cleodia Martinez is a Filipino-American creative based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work explores the multidimensional layers of nourishment and the rich inner worlds we grow through. Her perspective is shaped by her lifelong curiosity and studies in somatics, nutrition, design, and economics. Diwa of Mount Luntian is the first book in her growing story universe, where Philippine mythic creatures meet the rhythms of everyday life. She is also the author of "Ay Sus! Whole Food Plant-Based Filipino Cuisine," the Founder of Midsummer Studio, and Co-Founder of Midsummer Kitchen. Visit cleodiamartinez.com or connect on ig @cleodia.
Contributor Bio: Santos, Paola
Paola Santos is a Filipino illustrator and product designer based in the Philippines. Her practice spans digital interfaces and conceptual illustration, often weaving together cultural themes, personal narratives, and contemporary visual language. She focuses on crafting visual worlds that feel intimate, atmospheric, and rooted in human connection and feeling. She has worked with notable clients such as Philippine Airlines, ZUS Coffee Philippines, Canva, YoungSTAR (The Philippine Star), Tatler Philippines, Summit Books among others. Visit paola-santos.com or connect on ig @sntspaola.