Ramona woman’s first book combines fiction, biology for middle-schoolers

Catherine Kimbril recently published her debut novel, “Robot and Red: Blood Bytes!,” a visually engaging combination of fiction and biology targeted to middle-schoolers.

“This is a story of science, but it has a lot of depth. For young readers, this should not feel like homework at all,” said Kimbril, a Ramona resident.  

The self-published author is a zoologist by trade but gravitated to writing when she realized how often she visualized learning, specifically in science. 

“I had minimal history with writing prior to this. I always knew I wanted to work with animals and ended up in the Conservation Corps, the Coast Guard and later studying zoology,” she said. “I learned through school that I am a visual learner. As I was studying chemistry and biology, I realized I was imaging everything in my mind, and almost seeing them as characters.”

Her book, which is geared to ages 8 through 12, focuses on the cardiovascular system, with main characters Robot and Red delivering oxygen, surviving immune system attacks and avoiding germs.

“I think it is a really cool way to learn and explain something,” she said. “The idea was to teach, but in story form. Having studied zoology, I knew I wanted to break down each book into different body systems. This one focuses on cardiovascular, introducing the basics like ‘what is a cell.’”

When Kimbril was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and then experienced the COVID pandemic in full force, she knew that there was no better time to begin writing a book.

“I thought to myself, ‘If you have an idea, you have to do it.’ That is when I decided for sure to write something,” she said. “Before that I had never really thought of it. This was an extension of my already existing creativity.”

In 2020, Kimbril began speaking and meeting with fellow authors and writers, forming a network to guide her as she began the process of putting pen to paper and creating the story “Robot and Red.”

“There are so many creative people here, and we still write together to this day,” Kimbril said. 

In June, Kimbril officially self-published “Robot and Red.” She also did the illustration for the book’s cover. 

When writing, keeping the story heavily focused on fiction was a goal. Knowing her audience would be all too familiar with homework and classroom lectures, Kimbril wanted a book that told a compelling story, even if highly factual. 

“I followed the standard flow for characters, plots and wants and needs. It was all the usual the storytelling elements but just put it in the human body,” she said.

On a technical level, turning to fellow writers and authors to bounce ideas off, work alongside and share drafts with was a large aspect of the writing process that helped Kimbril. 

“I have several groups of writing friends. Normally, we will read each other’s work, discuss it and give each other notes. All my fellow writers are different genres. It’s everything from picture books up through mystery and romance,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Kimbril plans to write continue writing, with a series of novels that touch on other systems throughout the body.  

“I am trying to remind myself to enjoy the moment with the first one published, but I am eager to get the second one written, which I am in the process of doing,” she said, adding that it will focus on the immune system.

“In ‘Robot and Red,’ I reference 11 body systems, so in theory I could have 11 books,” she said.

While highly educational and factual, leaning into the creativity of writing and publishing is where Kimbril wants to remain. 

“I never thought I would be a writer, I just love to be creative. I am trying to embrace where I am right now and looking forward to making more and enjoying all the small moments along the way,” she said.

Right now, Kimbril’s biggest push is to say yes to everything that comes her way. With “Robot and Red” now available at Ramona Family Naturals Market and the Ramona Community Library, she is getting the word out around the community. 

She said she would say yes to author events, reading groups or book sales.

“Everything plays off each other and you just have to say yes,” she said. “I see myself as a creative and writing is just one more outlet, so anything that feeds this I am available to do.” 

In additional to local recognition, “Robot and Red” has been reviewed by established sources such as Kirkus Review and BookLife Reviews.

“Human anatomy is rendered outright hilarious in this smart, rib-tickling tale,” stated Kirkus Review. 

“Robot and Red” is available at Ramona Family Naturals, the Ramona library, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. For more information, go to https://www.robotandred.com.