New CHamoru children's book launches Saturday in Hagatna

Local authors Catherine Payne and John Payne II, alongside illustrator Veronica Cruz bring culture to life through song and story.

"'i Lalai i Bilembaotuyan' is about a little girl who learns this beautiful musical instrument from her grandfather. It follows the course of how she learns the instrument and how she makes it her own," Catherine Payne told KUAM News. 

Catherine Payne realized the power of language when she was young.

"I’ve always been really enthralled by the CHamoru language and it’s been evolving over the years," she said. "So I’ve always wanted to write about the CHamoru culture and that use the CHamoru language."

Now she immortalizes the CHamoru culture and language in her book, passing down traditions to the children of Guam. 

"So this book has English and CHamoru in it so it’s good for people like me who are not fluent in CHamoru but who appreciate the language," Catherine Payne said. 

Kids have a right to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Local artist Veronica Cruz says representation is very important.

"hearing the story was so touching but also understanding the impact this could have on children and the long-term effects or the results of it -- so important," she said. "Being a young chamoru person i didn’t really grow up with these kinds of books, so how can i now as an adult share my talents and give back to children was so important."

Catherine Payne and Cruz look forward to meeting the kids and families this Saturday at their special book launch.

"The book launch is open to the public," Catherine Payne said. "It’s going to be 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday at the Nieves Flores Memorial Library in Hagatna. There’s going to be a book reading and we’re going to have a lot of other activities including a musical demonstration by bilembaotuyan instructor Miss Dolores Quinata."

The book is also available for pre-order on the website University of Guam's UOG Press website and will be available for purchase in bookstores after the launch.