Surinamese writer and filmmaker Ida Does presents her new children’s book, Luan en de magische vuurvliegjes [Luan and the magical fireflies] published in February 2026 by Rose Stories. Illustrated by Nazrina Rodjan, the book is inspired by poet Trefossa (Henri Frans de Ziel).
Euritha Tjan A Way (DWT Online) writes: “Ida Does, who has made it her life’s work to keep the memory of Suriname, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean alive and accessible, has once again surpassed herself in this endeavor. She presents “Luan en de magische vuurvliegjes”— a picture book that explains in an accessible way, and for a wide audience, what the word Srefidensi stands for and who is the creator of this linguistic heritage of Suriname.”
Description (by the author): A poetic story about Luan, a boy learning to listen. To nature. To his grandmother. And to the magical owl… To that quiet feeling of freedom inside: Srefidensi.
This book is written as an ode to Trefossa, the poet who has inspired me for decades with his language, his imagination and his creative courage. With this story, I want to honor him and pass on his work to the next generations. And to you, readers.
A book for children to read together, and for adults to recognize themselves.
A QR code is included in the book that leads to adventure-filled online information and playful words of practice in Sranan. This way you, the reader, can not only listen, but also discover and participate.
We also have our own Facebook page “Luan en de magische vuurvliegjes,” with the activities of the Paramaribo Writing School, which provides the free distribution of 200 donated copies, including teaching materials.
You may order through https://rosestories.vrijeboeken.com/book/9789083639901-luan-en-de-magische-vuurvliegjes.html?Q
Also see https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584102711928# and https://dwtonline.com/luan-en-de-magische-vuurvliegjes-een-ode-aantrefossa/? Xw
Surinamese writer and filmmaker Ida Does presents her new children’s book, Luan en de magische vuurvliegjes [Luan and the magical fireflies] published in February 2026 by Rose Stories. Illustrated by Nazrina Rodjan, the book is inspired by poet Trefossa (Henri Frans de Ziel). Euritha Tjan A Way (DWT Online) writes: “Ida Does, who has made
