The Foundation is pleased to announce that the authors behind The Adventures of Katerina book series will be Clare Azzopardi and Leanne Ellul, with illustrations by Sarah Pisani. This initiative forms part of the Katerina’s Storybooks Adventure project, 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 project is being coordinated by Abner Joe Buttigieg and Dylan Farrugia, founders and administrators of the Foundation.
Written in Maltese and aimed at children aged 7–8 (Years 3–4), three books will be published in the series, blending factual information about the Maltese Honey Bee and the environment with engaging and imaginative storylines. The aim is to nurture both a love for reading and an appreciation of Malta’s rich biodiversity.
Katerina, the project’s mascot, represents the Maltese Honey Bee, Malta’s national insect for children, and was introduced last year alongside a trilogy of educational songs, which are currently also being released in English.
About the Team
Clare Azzopardi is a Maltese author who writes for both children and adults. She has had a long academic career teaching Maltese literature, including a leadership role at the University of Malta Junior College. She has also played an active role in literary organisations such as Inizjamed, HELA Foundation, and PEN Malta. Her work has been widely translated and published internationally, and she has received the National Book Prize for her short story collections. Her novel Castillo has also been adapted into a feature film.
Leanne Ellul is a writer, educator, and lecturer in creative writing who teaches Maltese at Junior College and the University of Malta. She writes poetry, prose, theatre, and children’s literature, and is passionate about mentoring young writers. Her work has appeared across various platforms, and she has received several awards, including the Premju Francis Ebejer and the National Book Prize for youth literature. She also read the poem A Résumé of Bees in front of distinguished guests, including King Charles III, during Commonwealth Day.
Sarah Pisani is a versatile artist known for her strong storytelling through visual art. She works across a wide range of styles and media, creating illustrations that are both engaging and expressive. Her adaptable artistic approach allows her to move from playful and imaginative to detailed and realistic styles. Through her work, she enhances the narrative and brings stories vividly to life, enriching the overall reading experience.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing regular updates on the progress of this exciting project as it gradually comes to life, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the three books in The Adventures of Katerina series. From the writing and illustrations to the development of storylines that bring Malta’s honey bee and environment to life, there will be plenty of insights into how this educational and imaginative project is taking shape. In the meantime, we invite everyone to listen to and enjoy the new song Katerina the Honey Bee (Bizz Bizz Bizz), which complements the series and introduces young audiences to the world of Katerina in a fun and musical way.
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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.
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