The National Library has received four copies of the new children’s book titled What About Me Now? (Y ami awo?) by author Rachelle Goedgedrag. The copies were presented by the author to acting library head, Ms. Lilian Semeleer.
The story follows Rita, a eared dove (buladuifi), who is forced to search for a new home after the patch of wilderness she called home is cleared. Along her journey, Rita encounters various animal species protected by law in Aruba, prompting her to ask: “What about me now?”. Through the narrative, readers learn about the island’s protected wildlife and follow Rita’s journey to find a place to call home.
The primary objective of the book is to introduce protected local species, raise awareness about wildlife conservation, and expand knowledge regarding local geographical areas.
Rachelle Lue-Goedgedrag is an Aruban author who specializes in crafting adventurous narratives designed to evoke emotion and foster character connection. Her writing combines an interest in psychology with a dedication to the Papiamento language, building suspense that engages the reader throughout the narrative.
Her passion for writing began with poetry and wordplay, gradually expanding into short stories and novels. Her work explores relatable human emotions, relationships, and life situations. Her literary style is accessible and natural, utilizing dialogue that reflects contemporary Aruban speech patterns.
Rachelle made her literary debut in 2024 with her first novel, Louella. In 2026, she published What About Me Now?, her first children’s book. With this release, the author emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and aims to educate both children and adults on their role in protecting local fauna and ecosystems.
In addition to her work as an author, Rachelle serves as a psychology lecturer, Central Dean, Public Relations officer, and member of the International Affairs team at Colegio EPI in Aruba. She is also the founder of the Conecta y Briya Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering community connection through literature, educational initiatives, social activities, and puzzle competitions.
