BERLIN, July 7, 2026 – Today, ZULA Kids announces the release of the new picture book, „The Heavy On My Heart.“ Designed for children ages five to eight, the story provides a gentle exploration of change, identity, and the healing power of connection.
In „The Heavy On My Heart,“ a young girl struggles with a heavy feeling she cannot quite explain. Through compassionate conversations with loved ones, she begins to understand that even when life changes, the essence of who she is remains. The narrative serves as a vital resource for caregivers and educators, offering a meaningful way to discuss resilience, social-emotional learning, and the importance of expressing one’s feelings.
„This story reminds children that they never have to carry life's heavy moments alone,“ says Hanna Tadesse Haile, the book’s author. „By exploring change and identity, we invite readers to connect, reflect, and imagine a more compassionate future.“
The narrative is written by African feminist, community organizer, and author Hanna Tadesse Haile. The expressive illustrations, characterized by bold colors and a playful visual language, were created by illustrator Beyza Durmuş. This release is part of the publisher’s 12 new titles created during the annual Book-A-Thon, a mentoring initiative dedicated to providing a platform for creators from underrepresented communities and supporting them in bringing their creativity into the world.
About ZULA Kids
ZULA Kids is a publisher dedicated to inclusive children’s literature. Since 2022, founders Janine Vanessa Heinrich and Alain Missala have been on a mission to build a world where every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. The work is supported by the ZULA Tribe, a non-profit organization for literacy promotion. The project is proudly supported by Audible.
Press Contact
ZULA Kids UG, Paul-Lincke-Ufer 21, 10999 Berlin
press@zula.kids | press@zula-tribe.com
For more information and assets, please visit: https://zula.kids/en/pages/press