My Reflection Children’s Bookstore is pleased to profile an incredible new Caribbean Author, Katrina Khan-Roberts.
Her debut book, Metrina: Marine Minded – The Mini-Marine Biologist’s Guidebook , was published in 2021. It is a delightful and beautifully illustrated guidebook to the concepts of marine biology, exploring topics such as what water is to how we are all connected to the ocean. It is an intellectual meander through this very important topic that will enlighten and entertain the aspiring scientist in your household. It will also act as a valuable learning resource for adults as well.
In addition to being packed with valuable and essential information, the book is also beautifully illustrated with bright colours that perfectly capture the vibrancy of life under the sea.
This book is definitely a must-have for your children’s bookshelf and is available for purchase at My Reflection Children’s Bookstore at the following link: Mertrina Marine Minded – The Mini-Biologists Handbook – My Reflection Children’s Bookstore (myreflectiontt.com). You can also purchase this book at our outlet at Red Edge Shopping Centre in St. James.
Read all about Katrina Khan-Roberts below:
What inspired you to become an author?
As a child I loved writing and my imagination was absolutely wild. My parents both saw my potential but when it was time to make a choice between sciences and arts, the sciences won out. Over time the creative and technical paths merged while volunteering with many youth and environmental organisations.
The book itself was the culmination of years of dreaming with the catalysts of having my first child, my family being a victim to violent crime as well as the pandemic occurring all around the same time. These gave me the push I needed to get out of my procrastination and realise that if I did not make time to write, I would never write.
Tell us about your first book
My first book is called The Mini Marine Biologist’s Guidebook.
My background is in environmental sciences with special interest in Marine Biology, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Climate. My family and friends know me to be a water baby, with a deep love for the ocean and a fascination with mermaids.
This book was the marriage of all these things, a bite-sized introduction to Marine Biology for young people who love the sea with Mertrina, the mermaid, as the guide.
My husband was so supportive, helping with our newborn while I wrote deep into the night. I must also credit my parents, siblings, inlaws and friends. I can’t thank them enough for rallying me on.
Who inspired your main character?
Around the age of six, I was with my family in Tobago and my cousin Nadia Ali, who is a fantastic author, nicknamed me Mertrina while I was attempting to swim like a mermaid. That nickname stuck with me.
In 2013 I created a Facebook page with the aim of sharing marine information and current events.
In 2018, I rebranded it to Mertrina: Marine Minded and created a community of people who love the sea and want to protect it.
How can children benefit from knowing more about marine life and how they can preserve it?
Every person is connected to the ocean, no matter if they live in a landlocked country on the top of a mountain or on an island with the beach at their doorstep. Our lives are inextricably linked, from the chemical composition of the air we breathe to the temperature and climate. We have to remember that in order for future generations to inherit a functional planet, the ocean must be conserved. Children also influence their parents, so if behaviours are instilled in youth, they should have a trickle on effect so that society can also change for the better.
What was the most enjoyable part of the writing and illustration process?
It honestly was a release. For as long as I knew myself, I loved storytelling and writing, but I always left it on the back burner. I was amazed at how easily it flowed out of my mind and through my fingers and onto the page. I wanted to make something that would not only be a positive, tangible thing in the world, but to make sure that my family could see my motivations and determination in spite of everything.
What was one of the most surprising things about the creation process?
I was definitely surprised about how long it would take. Writing, editing, rewriting and figuring out the self publication route took almost two full years. I kept myself in a bubble during that time so it really is an achievement. Once it was complete I sent it to my family and friends and they were the ones who really encouraged me and helped me with the finished book you see today.
What does it mean to you as an Indian-Trinidadian to publish a book with a main character of your ethnicity?
As an Indo-Trinidadian there is a great deal of cultural literature, but something like this is difficult to find!
I loved ‘The Little Mermaid’ by Hans Christian Andersen as a child, and the illustrations were not very diverse. I know my 6 year old self would have loved this book because she could see herself reflected in it, which is what drew me to your organisation!
What plans do you have for future books and characters?
I have just completed an activity book to go along with the Guidebook, and while I have many ideas, I will take my time with Mertrina. Otherwise I have published a poetry book ‘Drowsy Dwellings, poems penned between wakefulness and sleep’ which is a collection of poetry written over the years. I tend to be inspired to write just before I go to sleep.
What advice do you have for other Caribbean authors?
I would have to advise other authors and authors in the making to not be discouraged by the daunting task of starting a new piece. You are a wordsmith, you have to practice at your craft! So pick up a pen or a keyboard and write that story that’s in your heart today!
I would also say to make sure your story is reviewed properly because sometimes you miss things. Build a network and understand marketing, put yourself in the shoes of your target audience and think of how you will reach them. For one thing specific to children’s books, stores like My Reflection Children’s Bookstore that have the people at heart will become your most treasured relationships.
All the best and I can’t wait to read your stories!
Keep in touch with Katrina Khan-Roberts
There’s definitely a lot we can learn from Katrina Khan-Roberts and her debut character, Metrina. Follow them both on Instagram as Mertrina Marine Minded 🧜🏽♀️🇹🇹 (@mertrinatt) • Instagram photos and videos
My Reflection Children’s Bookstore provides children’s books with diverse main characters to promote self-love and a love for reading among children.
Shop online at www.myreflectiontt.com for delivery to any address in Trinidad & Tobago.
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