LEA MARYANOW • CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR
Meet STRIPES
One zebra. One big question. A story about discovering that you don’t have to choose just one side.
STRIPES follows Zebra as he searches the African savannah for an answer to a question that seems simple—but turns out to be much bigger than he expected.
What happens when you ask everyone else who you are?
“Am I a white zebra with black stripes or a black zebra with white stripes?”
That's the question Zebra can't stop thinking about.
Unable to find the answer himself, Zebra asks eight animals across the African savannah what they think. Each animal has a very different personality—and a very different perspective—but none gives Zebra the answer he's looking for.
Then Lion gives Zebra an answer he doesn't understand at first.
Only later does Zebra realize that Lion's words have helped him discover something important:
He doesn't have to choose.
He is both black and white.
He is Zebra.
Sometimes the answer is in seeing the whole picture.
At its heart, STRIPES is a playful story about identity, perspective, individuality, and accepting all the things that make us who we are.
It's also an invitation to start a conversation.
What makes us different?
How do other people see us?
How do we see ourselves?
And why do we sometimes feel like we have to choose one thing when we can be many things at once?
These are the kinds of questions that can continue long after the last page has been turned.
PERFECT FOR READING TOGETHER
A Story That Opens the Door to Conversation
STRIPES can be enjoyed simply as a fun story—but it can also become the starting point for meaningful conversations at home, in classrooms, libraries, and other child-centered spaces.
For parents & families
A story to read together and talk about afterward.
For educators
A starting point for conversations about identity, perspective, individuality, and belonging.
For young readers
A curious zebra, a cast of memorable animals, and a question worth thinking about.
Take the Story Beyond the Page
Want to keep the conversation going?
Download Lea's FREE STRIPES Activity Guide for ideas and activities inspired by the book.
Whether you're reading STRIPES at home or using it in a classroom or group setting, the guide provides an opportunity for children to explore the themes and questions introduced by Zebra's journey.
Ready to Meet Zebra?
STRIPES is available wherever you like to buy books.
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Help Put More Books in Children’s Hands
Lea has a simple goal: get more books into the hands of children who might not otherwise have access to them.
Through sponsorships, businesses and organizations can purchase STRIPES in bulk so copies can be distributed to local schools, childcare programs, children's clubs, and other child-centered organizations.
40% of Lea's profit from sponsored book sales will be donated to UNICEF to help children in need.
Become a STRIPES Sponsor
Sponsors can also choose to have a sticker placed on the book cover featuring their business: “Sponsored by __________” . It's an opportunity to support children's literacy while putting your organization directly into the hands of young readers.
STRIPES Spotted in the Wild!
Fans share when they find STRIPES "in the wild"!
Have you seen STRIPES on a bookshelf?
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