It’s World Literacy Day 2020! I suppose now would be a good time to insert the infamous “If you can read this, thank a teacher” line. Cliche? Perhaps. True? Without a doubt. 

Recently, I sat for a 30 minute conversation with 4-year-old Coryn Anaya Clarke, a Trinidad and Tobago author, dancer, musician and yoga enthusiast, who released her debut book, Chronicles of Coryn- Seven Days of Fun,  in August of this year.

In the span of the interview, she respectfully interrupted my line of questioning to share a few of her favorite books- of which the one she penned was at the top of the list. 

It is her hope that children will be able to learn something new through her book, which, as the title suggests, details her daily activities with her family.

With one book under her belt and another one already in the making,  the budding bibliophile appeared confused at only one point during our chat. That is, when I told her there are folks who walk among us that don’t enjoy reading. 

“But why?” she asked, eyebrows perched.

Explaining that some may have difficulty understanding the words, she pointed out that “you can always ask a grown-up! I go to my mummy or daddy when I need a little help”.

“That’s right! Also, how do you think you can help a child who is having trouble with their reading, Coryn?” I asked.

“Well,” she retorted, arms in the air, “I can tell them they’ll have to eat their carrots so they can see the words on the page properly. Or maybe they need glasses- my mummy wears glasses,” she giggled. 

And while one might assume that she misinterpreted my question- I would fiercely disagree. Indeed, holistic health tells us that we must nourish our bodies to stimulate our minds and improve our intellect. 

Her second book, which she’s hard at work on completing, tells the story of her family’s visit to St. Kitts, her father’s native country, and the adventures she had with her grandparents, Mama Jen and Papito.

I walked away from our virtual meeting amazed at her mind and all the more cognizant of the power literacy gives us to understand the world around us better.

And, of course, I have been indirectly challenged to dust off the novel I started mid-August and find the time to finish it. If you’re reading this article, thank you Coryn, for giving me the extra push I needed!

Meet Coryn Anaya Clarke: