BERLIN, July 7, 2026 – Today, ZULA Kids announces the release of the new picture book, „Pendo, so wie du bist.“ Designed for children ages five to eight, the story explores themes of self-confidence, acceptance, and the power of friendship during times of change.
„Pendo, so wie du bist“ follows Pendo on her first day at a new school. Faced with unkind words, Pendo learns that true strength lies in her own uniqueness. With the support of friends, she discovers that self-doubt can be overcome by having the courage to stand by who she is. The book includes interactive reflection questions that help caregivers, educators, and teachers open meaningful conversations with children about identity, belonging, and treating others with respect.
„Pendo, so wie du bist is an invitation to celebrate your own personality,“ says author Jane Mbeba. „It is important to show children that they are valuable exactly as they are. With this book, we want to create a safe space where children feel seen and understood.“
The story is written by social worker and author Jane Mbeba. The vibrant illustrations are created by performance artist and illustrator Mei-Tong Chen. 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