The Biblioteca Nacional Aruba is celebrating Children’s Book Week. Several authors are visiting schools to tell stories and give presentations. There are also afternoon activities at the library, where all children are welcome. All presentations are free of charge, with the goal of encouraging children to read.
Denise de Jongh-Rekwest donated a copy of her newest book, ‘No kere mes!’, to the children’s library. It’s an adventure book in Papiamento, set in nature. Join Mia and Lito on an adventure. Explore nature. Spot birds in the mondi.
Denise de Jongh-Rekwest was born in Curaçao and has lived for many years on Bonaire. She is married to a Bonairian, and together they have a daughter, Kaylee, who inspired her Kaylee book series. After studying and working in tourism, Denise started her own training and consultancy business, offering courses in service, communication, teambuilding, and etiquette, with etiquette training being the most popular.
In 2008, Denise wrote and published her first etiquette book for children, titled ‘Kaylee i su primunan ku fakansi na Kòrsou’. There are now four books in the Kaylee series and two audiobooks in Papiamento and Dutch.
Up to 2025, Denise has written and published 25 books of her own, and has also published 25 books for other authors and organizations from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and the Netherlands through her own publishing house, Request Publishing. She actively participates in Children’s Book Weeks in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
Her latest book, commissioned by SKAL, is titled ‘Kantika di tur tempu, pa semper’. This book aims to document and preserve the original, authentic lyrics and melodies of Bonaire’s oral folk songs, some of which date back to the time of slavery. Each song carries its own story, rooted in real-life events.
During Children’s Book Week, Denise will present her new book ‘No kere mes!’, an adventure-filled story. In addition to writing children’s books, Denise enjoys reading, birdwatching, photography, and painting.
Press release: Biblioteca Nacional Aruba
