Lozi culture and leopard conservation have combined forces to tell a compelling story in a recently released children's book, Libo and the Leopard: Keeper of the Stars.
Book lovers were able to engage with the author Emily Child and artist Mary-An during a book launch at V&A Waterfront Exclusive Books on Saturday, February 21.
This captivating story is more than just a tale; it is an invitation to connect with nature, heritage, and the urgent need to protect wildlife.
The book, which has already garnered attention as the flagship release following Imagnary House's win of the 2025 Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publishers in Africa, is a collaboration with Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organisation.
Ms Child said the original idea came to her in the middle of the night, but the full concept took a few weeks to flesh out.
The final edit took a few months to complete as it was a collaboration between the author, children and teens' book publisher, Panthera, and the Lozi community.
"With each draft we needed to be sure that our cultural advisors approved the text and that we were staying true to our goal, honouring Lozi tradition and the 'Furs for Life' message," she said.
Ms Child said Panthera and the "Furs for Life" project leaders approached the publishing house to write a story for children as part of a behavioural change initiative, encouraging young Lozi people to use Heritage Furs instead of real leopard skins for traditional ceremonies.
"The story was inspired by the Royal Paddlers on the King's Barge in the Kuomboka ceremony held in the Liuwa Plains every year," she said.
Ms Child said the book is aimed at children aged from five to nine.
"We have found that older children and adults are really enjoying it," she said.
It is an adventure that introduces young readers to the rich Lozi heritage of Zambia and highlights the urgent need for leopard conservation.
The story follows young Libo, who dreams of becoming a Royal Paddler but needs a leopard fur to fulfill his goal, setting him on a path of self-discovery and an unexpected encounter with a leopard.
The book specifically sheds light on Panthera’s innovative "Furs for Life" programme, which works with the Lozi community to replace real leopard skins in traditional ceremonies like Kuomboka and Kufuluhela with synthetic, culturally appropriate heritage furs.
Proceeds from book sales will directly benefit this important conservation initiative.
Readers can also enjoy a first-of-its-kind free audiobook available in both English, voiced by Mdu Kweyama, and the Lozi language, Silozi, voiced by Pelekelo Shwana, making the story accessible to a wider audience.
The book is now available in bookstores nationwide.
Parents are encouraged to pick up a copy and use it as a tool to inspire their children to become "Heritage Guardians" by respecting wildlife and their habitats.
For more information visit Imagnary House.
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