PHILIPSBURG:--- The latest book by author Loekie Morales, beautifully illustrated by the realistic artist-painter Penka Petkova, named ‘Chella and the Weird Woman/’Chella en het Vreemde Vrouwtje’, is being baptized on Friday coming, December 8th during its book launch at OBA OBA, Lapa Lapa Center, Simson Bay from 6.00 to 7.00 pm.
Rita Aikman, the treasurer of Beyond Kultura Events Foundation (BKE) stated: ‘It is with great pride, that Beyond Kultura is announcing that the book launch of this bilingual (Dutch and English), full colored THRILLER for 8 years and older is published, thanks to the donations of the Windward Island Bank, Henderson Insurance Risk-Management Investment Consultants, the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund and the Representative of Holland in Philipsburg. We are so happy to be able to donate a box of 27 books to each elementary school on Sint Maarten, to be used as comprehensive reading material. Reading is fundamental and is part of BKE’s Reading and Storytelling program. Because of using hardcover, the books can be used in our education system for at least the coming 8 years. In this manner, thousands of children can enjoy the reading of such full colored books, with the Caribbean oriented stories. Especially now, post-hurricane Irma, we are happy to be able to contribute to our society in this way.’
The story is about a little girl of 7, Chella, who is spending her Christmas Holidays with her Grandmother. Granny loves to prepare all kinds of snacks and tasty drinks, especially during Christmas. She sends Chella to her aunt, who lives in the next neighborhood, to get olives and plums. When dusk falls and Chela has not returned home as yet, the whole family is in panic. Where is Chella? Will she ever return safely back home? And what rumors are there about a weird woman doing strange things in her scary house?
Penka Petkova, the realistic artist, stated: ‘For me, it is the first time illustrating a book. I feel much honored to contribute to a story that teaches children to distinguish the good and bad in people. It took me some time to get into the painting of the story, but Loekie Morales served as a good guide to push me through it. Once I got it and while painting, I felt the emotions of the little brave heroine, Chella, rushing from the brush to the paper,’ Penka says.
For Morales, ‘Chella and the Weird Woman’ is the 9th book in her writing career to be published. ‘This story is a particular one. To teach children the distinction between what feels right and what is not, is an art in itself’. Morales stated.
Morales has published several books like: ‘Zonnesproetje’s, ‘Overseas Bloodline’ (translated in English and Papiamento), ‘Papito and the Story Telling Tree’, ‘Bonte Boel’, ‘Tropisch Nestje (Tropical Nest)’, ‘Mina Marina (A Clean Sea)’, ‘The Magic Wedding Cake’/’La Tarta Magica Nupcial’ and ‘Freedom Salsa’.
The general public is hereby being invited to be at the horror scene of the Weird Woman to celebrate with us!’ Ms. Aikman stated. When? Friday coming 8th December, Time: from 6.00-7-00 pm, Where? @ OBA OBA in the La Palapa Center at Simson Bay. Snacks will be available and the books at a nice price of $15,00.
Beyond Kultura Events Foundation Press Release
