Xyka & Mliha
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When Xyka arrives at her new home with her Pa, everything feels overwhelming: too loud, too unknown, too much. She stays inside, day after day, until a desperate cry from the yard changes everything. There, she finds Mliha, a small, injured, glowing creature who needs her.
As Xyka cares for Mliha, something begins to shift. When Mliha eventually fades and disappears, Xyka faces a new kind of fear. But when she finds her again, bigger and brighter than before, Xyka sees herself differently too.
Xyka & Mliha is a tender, luminous picture book about the courage it takes to open the door to a new place, to another being, and to yourself. Written by multidisciplinary artist Dede Matenaers and illustrated by Carina Zidan, it draws from lived experiences of migration, loss, and quiet transformation.
About the Author & Illustrator
Dede Matenaers
Carina Zidan
Carina Zidan is a Bulgarian-Syrian illustrator based in Berlin. Growing up between Bulgaria and Syria, she developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and stories. With a background in scenography and animation, she creates vibrant illustrations that spark imagination and connection. Carina is passionate about making books where every child feels seen and celebrated. Through her work, she hopes to build bridges, encourage empathy, and highlight the beauty of everyday life. When she is not drawing, she enjoys sewing, stitching traditional tatreez patterns, and spending time with her dog, Chili.
