Ninang's Here!

A charming story of being seen, being loved and being family.

A young girl's ninang ("godmother" in Tagalog) has arrived for a visit, and she's thrilled! After all, Ninang isn't just the girl's godmother, she's also her very best friend. Ninang describes herself as "a grown-up whose heart never grew up," which means the two get to have a day full of adventures, including blasting off into outer space and rescuing lost balloons and cats stuck in trees! Unfortunately, as with all wonderful visits, this one must come to end. Or can the girl find a way to get Ninang to stay?

With her playful nature and delight in invention, Ninang is the older relative every child dreams of having. Analene Go has crafted a heartwarming story that celebrates the joys of family life, family connections and imaginative play. Warm depictions of a Filipino household, together with Tagalog words, add a cultural richness to the story. Brightly colored artwork by Alexis Young enlivens the characters' magical playtime and engages readers to seek for hidden objects in the illustrations. The book's focus on a special intergenerational relationship that's not with a grandparent sets it apart from other family-centered books. An author's note and a glossary are included.

Author: Analene Go
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: 10/06/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.20w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781525313813
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/15/2026

About the Author
Analene Go is a Filipino Canadian author whose humorous and heartfelt stories celebrate culture and family, uplifting Asian representation and diversity in children's books. She is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and lives in Guelph, Ontario.
Alexis Young is a Chinese Filipino designer and illustrator from Mississauga, Ontario, who aims to capture moments of discovery and tell coming-of-age stories with a bit of magic and a whimsical nature. Ninang's Here! is her first picture book.