ARUBA/PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten author and speaker Ralph Cantave made a remarkable impact at the 32nd Festival di Buki pa Mucha (Children’s Book Festival) in Aruba, held from November 3rd to 8th. As one of 16 authors featured in the event, Cantave captivated audiences with his storytelling talents, serving a slice of St. Martin’s culture and history to the forefront. With his latest children’s book, Steve Takes a Stand, he engaged young readers, educators, and organizers alike, earning admiration for his interactive presentations and passionate messages.
The festival, hosted by the National Library of Aruba, is a flagship event aimed at fostering a lifelong love of books and learning among children. Cantave’s feature in this esteemed lineup was particularly meaningful as he represented St. Maarten on the heels of his participation in the reading festival held by Stichting Biblionef Nederlands on St. Maarten. During his time in Aruba, Cantave toured 19 classrooms and held additional sessions at the library, empowering students through engaging storytelling and heartfelt discussions.
Cantave’s book, Steve Takes a Stand, is set in 1960s St. Martin and tackles themes of bullying and respect for elders, combining important lessons with cultural preservation. Each reading session was uniquely brought to life by his use of voice acting for each character. He had every class repeat an affirmation in Papiamentu, including the powerful words: "Mi ta balente, mi tin kurachi, no ta importa kiko pasa mi ta para pe!" (“I am brave, I am courageous, and no matter what happens, I will take a stand.”).
Cantave’s participation aligned with Kinderboekenweek, an annual celebration of children’s books and storytelling in Aruba. This week-long festival is a cornerstone of literacy promotion on the island, drawing local and international authors to share their works and inspire young minds. Cantave’s visit stood out as a bridge between the cultures of St. Martin and Aruba, highlighting shared histories and values of the sister islands. Teachers happily welcomed his ability to intertwine education with entertainment, using his stories to cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a love for literature.
Beyond the festival, Cantave remains a passionate advocate for reading, writing, and education in St. Maarten. He plans to continue visiting schools and after-school programs, using literature as a tool to build creativity, character and confidence among the nation’s children. He also hopes for renewed focus on rebuilding St. Maarten’s public library, which he sees as vital to providing a safe and nurturing space for innovation.
Cantave expressed gratitude to the festival organizers for the opportunity to share stories from St. Martin with audiences beyond its shores. “It was an honor to represent the land of my heart."
