Sifra needs a walking stick, but she’s a brilliant swimmer. When it turns out that the village is in danger, Sifra decides to seek help from the water spirit: Watramama. But nothing comes for free...

Sifra grows up in Tapsey, a village built on the site of an old timber plantation. Because of her lame foot and her walking stick, she doesn’t quite fit in. When the villagers discover that Tapsey is to be sold, panic sets in. Whilst the residents do everything in their power to keep their land, Sifra becomes entangled in family secrets and the legend of Watramama, a water spirit from the village. But she doesn’t really exist, does she…? 

For this book, children’s and young adult author Zarissa Windzak drew inspiration from Surinamese history and culture. Watramama is published on 13 April by Wilde Haren Publishers and is aimed at readers aged 8 to 10. On 27 May, Zarissa Windzak will be reading from this exciting story at AMOR. 

Zarissa Windzak is an author and a passionate advocate for inclusive children’s and young adult literature. Social themes are central to everything she creates, because she believes in the power of stories to bring about real change. She wants to inspire children to make their voices heard and to be proud of who they are. She is also the founder of Cargo Confetti, a platform for inclusive children’s literature.

Her previous works include Liever niet (Uitgeverij Wilde Haren, 2022), Adam Activist (Uitgeverij Wilde Haren, 2023) and Queen Nikkolah viert feest! (Uitgeverij Eenhoorn, 2025).