Today we’re excited to be connecting with Kalenga Augustine Mulenga again. We’re excited to feature one of their products in our gift guide – learn more below and we encourage you to use your gift budget to support small businesses & creatives whenever possible.

Kalenga Augustine, so thrilled to have you joining us again, this time to talk all about products and so let’s jump right in. Please give our audience some background on the product side.
I have self-published almost 40 children’s picture books, each with an important life lesson attached to it. See below more detailed responses:

What Inspired Its Creation?
My journey began with a childhood love for writing, fueled by the example set by my father and the intrinsic value of storytelling in African culture. These books are a way of passing on timeless lessons to children, empowering them with tools to navigate life’s challenges while embracing humor, positivity, and imagination.

The Problem It Solves
Many children’s books lack relatable, culturally rich narratives that emphasize universal values such as kindness, resilience, and respect. My books fill this gap, offering diverse stories with moral lessons that are accessible to children worldwide, yet deeply rooted in an authentic voice from Southern Africa. By doing so, I contribute to global literacy while addressing the scarcity of engaging and purposeful literature for young readers.

What Makes It Unique?
My books stand out due to their blend of entertainment and enlightenment. Their humor and relatability make reading enjoyable, while their life lessons equip children with emotional intelligence and practical wisdom. With three #1 Amazon bestsellers and a 2023 Coppa Book Award, my work has resonated with a broad audience, reflecting its quality and relevance.

Who It’s For
My books are perfect for parents, educators, and young readers aged 2-10 who seek stories that inspire, entertain, and educate. They appeal especially to those valuing diversity in literature and the incorporation of life lessons into storytelling.

Why It’s Needed
The modern market demands more than just entertaining stories; it seeks narratives that nurture growth. My books not only entertain but also instill virtues, making them indispensable for raising thoughtful, kind, and capable individuals.

What’s been the most exciting part of the journey of taking this product from idea to real life?
The most exciting part of this journey has been transforming my ideas into tangible books that inspire and delight children. From writing the first draft to seeing my stories brought to life through illustrations, holding the first physical copy was a magical moment.

What makes it even more rewarding is hearing from children, parents, and educators about how my books spark laughter and impart valuable life lessons. Recognition like the Coppa Book Award and hitting #1 on Amazon reinforced the impact of my work, turning a passion into a meaningful connection with readers worldwide.

How do most people hear about your product?
I use social media, word of mouth, attend markets and school events and also do email marketing.

What’s next on the product or brand roadmap?
I would like to publish a graphic novel and also am trying to get my books converted into an animated tv series.