Introducing Our New Drawing Book: Meet In-Naħla Katerina

As anticipation builds for the release of three educational songs celebrating Malta’s natural heritage, we are pleased to launch a special three-page drawing book featuring the central characters from the upcoming songs. This simple yet meaningful publication introduces young children to In-Naħla Katerina – a special Maltese Honey Bee – along with a worker honey bee and the Queen Bee. These characters will appear in the first song of the series, In-Naħla Katerina, which will be released on 20th May 2025 to mark World Bee Day.

The drawing book is designed to support the wider goals of the Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes Project, which promotes environmental awareness, early language learning, and appreciation for local biodiversity. The project is supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), and funded by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).

The illustrations in the book were created by Michael Piscopo, who is also the songwriter and composer of two of the project’s songs: In-Naħla Katerina and In-Naħla u Sħabha. Michael’s creative work brings the bee characters to life in a child-friendly and accessible style, making them instantly recognisable for children and educators alike.

A First Look at the Characters

The first song, In-Naħla Katerina, is aimed at young children aged 0 to 6 and introduces them to the world of the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), which was officially recognised as Malta’s National Insect in 2024. Through a playful melody and gentle narrative, the song highlights the bee’s role in pollination, nature, and the environment.

In the drawing book, children will meet:

• In-Naħla Katerina – the central character, representing the Maltese Honey Bee. She is lively, curious, and proud of her special identity.
• A Worker Honey Bee – who accompanies Katerina and helps children understand the similarities and differences between bee types.
• The Queen Bee – who plays an important role in the hive and symbolises leadership and care within the bee community.

A Guide to Drawing and Learning

We encourage children to colour the bees using the correct colouration for the Maltese Honey Bee, opting for darker tones rather than the yellowish appearance typical of foreign, imported bees. These non-native bees pose a serious threat to the survival of Malta’s endemic subspecies, and accurate visual identification plays an important role in raising awareness. This approach not only promotes accurate artistic representation but also encourages a deeper appreciation of the uniqueness of the Maltese Honey Bee and the need to protect it from hybridisation.

This introductory booklet is not only an invitation to draw, but also a gentle way to spark curiosity about bees, pollination, and the Maltese environment. It serves as a perfect companion to the first song and helps prepare children to meet these characters in a musical context when the song is launched on World Bee Day.

Stay tuned as we count down to the release of In-Naħla Katerina and the rest of the song series throughout 2025. With this drawing book, we take the first step on a joyful journey of discovery through art, music, and nature.

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Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.