Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Melissa Cristina Márquez (Mother of Sharks)!
Meet the Author: Melissa Cristina Márquez
Melissa Cristina Márquez (she/her) is a fiercely proud Hispanic marine biologist, wildlife educator, professional speaker, and presenter. She has given two TEDx talk on sharks and female scientists, and her work has been highlighted in NPR, Allure, Disney+, BBC, National Geographic, Good Morning America, and more. In 2021, Melissa was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30: Science list and the InStyle “50 Badass Women” list. Melissa holds a BA in Marine Ecology and Conservation from New College of Florida and an MSc in Marine Biology from Victoria University. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Mexico, Melissa aims to bring attention to the importance of diversity and inclusion with her writing.
About the Book: Mother of Sharks
Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez teams up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book. With lyrical writing and gorgeous art, this moving story explores Melissa’s personal journey from inquisitive ocean-loving child in Puerto Rico to becoming the Mother of Sharks.
As the sun sets over another gorgeous day at la Playita Del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli doesn’t want to go home. She loves the ocean more than anything, and with only five minutes left at the beach, she knows exactly where her last stop should be: the tidal pools. They are small universes of their own teeming with critters and creatures of the ocean. While looking into the pools, she meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the importance of shark conservation, and reveals Meli’s ultimate destiny: to become the Mother of Sharks.
Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Melissa Cristina Márquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM. Paired with Devin Elle Kurtz’s vibrant, emotive illustrations, this picture book is an irresistible journey through the wonders of the ocean and, above all, a rallying cry for marine conservation.
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~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Kids need representation when it comes to seeing themselves in a career. To help children take a more positive and encouraging view of studying science themselves, it is essential to go beyond stereotypes about what a scientist “is” from past representations. The goal of this book is to show kids from underrepresented backgrounds – including Latine kids – that they can accomplish whatever they dream. No matter where they come from, their dreams are possible!
YABC: What current trends are you seeing as a marine biologist?
Currently, entire marine ecosystems are being impacted by coral bleaching, sea level rise, ocean acidification, habitat destruction, and pollution. All of these are the result of our own actions! In particular, climate change is altering many oceanic processes, threatening many species of marine animals that can’t adapt. My hope is that by educating people about these issues, we can take action and protect the environment.
YABC: What is the one thing you hope your audience comes away with after reading your book?
In the end, I hope readers become curious about our oceans, sharks, and even about pursuing a career in science.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
Seventy-five percent of our planet is covered by the ocean. In the end, what impacts the ocean will affect everyone in the world, even those who have never seen the ocean before! My goal is to inspire people to take care of the ocean for the sake of sharks, but also for their own sake. Every scene I think speaks to that. If this book inspires kids to think about our oceans and want to learn more… then I say I have done my job.
YABC: How did your background influence your writing?
It is with great pride that I call myself a Boricua and Mexicana! Historically, culturally, musically, and gastronomically, these two countries are rich in diversity. I am guided by my upbringing in both places – influenced by my family in both places. If you look at me, or if you read about me, you are also looking at centuries of a melting pot of cultural influences.
YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?
I like the magical element of the cover. It evokes a sunset with its bright background. My breath was taken away when I saw the hair woven with sharks. A cheeky glimpse of the main star (hello Jaiba)! A perfect cover.
YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2023?
Can I say my books? Ha! I am so excited to have them hit bookshelves everywhere. But really, I was stoked to get my hands on Mya-Rose Craig’s “Birdgirl: Looking to the Skies in Search of a Better Future.” It just recently came out!
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
Another new book of this year, “Evil Eye” by Etaf Rum was such a captivating read!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I can’t say anything more than this, but I’m super excited to be working on another Penguin picture book!
YABC: What advice would you give to future Mother of sharks?
My advice to them would be to continue following your curiosity and your passion, and to never give up! You can achieve anything you set your mind to if you surround yourself with people who support your dreams – they will help you succeed!
YABC:Which fact about sharks would you scream from the rooftops if you could?
This is a book that I would love to see introducing the reader to a wide variety of species of sharks! There are over 500 different species of sharks in the world, and each of them is special in its own way. We still have a lot to discover about their unique mysteries, and as a result, we have a lot of research to do.
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
There are two main messages I hope readers will take away from this books. First of all, no matter where you come from, you have the right to pursue your dreams and you are capable of achieving them. As for the second point, I hope that reading this book will spark a curiosity in them about our oceans, which are a gorgeous ecosystem that needs to be protected.
YABC:What would you say is your superpower?
Curiosity is one of my superpowers. It is impossible for me not to ask questions about the world around me. “Why is that bird making that noise?” “Why does a dog react in that way when alone?” “What is the story of that fish?” The questions are endless in my head! As a result, I attribute my success to my childlike wonder about our planet.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
A shark scientist from an underrepresented background, Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) holds a special place in my heart. Women of color rarely have role models in marine science – and shark science! – who look like them. MISS was founded to address the lack of representation of people of color in shark science. The mission of MISS is to create a safe space and network of people of color who will be able to support and encourage each other as we navigate the field of shark research together.
YABC: What is a common misconception that you hope your book addresses?
Rather than just seeing sharks as monsters, I hope people see them as misunderstood creatures.
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
My hope is that readers get to enjoy the magical and real-world elements in this book about our incredible oceans and the power in representation.
Title: Mother of Sharks
Author: Melissa Cristina Márquez
Illustrator: Devin Elle Kurtz
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Genre: Picture book
Age Range: 5-8 years
