First Publication in the 'Neo's World’ Series, titled 'Neo Feels'

Surrounded by family and friends, Melendy explained the purpose of the book and read a portion of the story to the children in attendance. Neo voelt addresses core emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and love. The content of each chapter gives children the opportunity to express themselves while providing parents or educators with the tools to explore each emotion more deeply.

The book will soon be available for checkout at the library. Additionally, those interested in purchasing their own copy can contact Melendy Bisslik-Neuman through her Facebook page.

Who is Melendy Neuman? 
Melendy Neuman is a research lecturer at the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano (IPA). When she returned to Aruba in 2012 after completing her studies in the Netherlands, she became interested in taking courses to further immerse herself in Papiamento.

Melendy also began actively participating in cultural activities, including the Poëta di Patria (Poet of the Homeland) competition. In addition, she writes and recites poetry for special occasions, such as graduations, funerals, and the celebration of 35 years of Status Aparte.

She prefers to write poems with short, accessible sentences that rhyme. According to Melendy, the rhythm of a rhyming poem captures and holds the attention of the listener or reader. Her passion for writing grew even deeper after the birth of her son. He loves listening to stories and making up his own, becoming the ultimate inspiration for her first book, Neo's Wereld: Neo voelt. His vivid imagination is woven throughout the story. Melendy chooses to write in Papiamento to contribute to a broader repertoire of children's books in our native language—a language that she believes sounds beautiful.

As an educator, Melendy naturally incorporated a learning element into the story, specifically aimed at encouraging meaningful dialogue between adults and children.