WILLEMSTAD – Wintertuin Curaçao will celebrate the release of its very first children’s book on Saturday, September 13. Titled “Yen’i Brio – Met Pit, Stories for the Whole Family”, the publication is a bilingual reading and storytelling book in both Papiamentu and Dutch.

The book is designed to spark joy in reading among children and young people, while also reviving the tradition of sharing stories together as a family. Through imaginative adventures, readers encounter themes where fear transforms into courage — a dog befriends a tick, a snake seeks to clear its bad reputation, and a tamarind tree suddenly begins to speak.

For All Ages

Though written for children aged nine and older, Yen’i Brio – Met Pit is intended to be enjoyed by the entire family. The collection evolves with the reader: stories begin short and simple, at about 450 words, and gradually expand into richer tales of up to 2,450 words. This structure allows children to read independently, while also making the book ideal for teachers, parents, and grandparents to read aloud.

A Product of Creative Writing Curaçao

The book was written by Elvira Bonafacio, translated by Nevorice Matheu, and illustrated by Ghislaine Monte. It is the result of the Creative Writing Curaçao courses, highlighting the island’s growing literary talent and commitment to fostering a culture of storytelling.

With this debut, Wintertuin Curaçao aims to build a foundation for more local children’s literature that connects generations and celebrates creativity in both of the island’s key languages.