Hoofbeats and Tails: The Story of Three Wild Siblings

Have you ever wondered how the zebra got his stripes?

Or why horses and donkeys live with humans while zebras still roam wild and free across the African savannah?

Long ago, they were one family.

Meet the triplets, a Zebra, a Donkey, and a Horse, three spirited siblings who begin life side by side until a sudden twist of fate sends them journeying in different directions. As each one follows a unique path, they discover courage, friendship, and the choices that shape who they will become.

Join them on an enchanting adventure to learn how the zebra earns his stripes, how the donkey and the horse become beloved companions to humans, and why the bonds of family can stretch across any distance.

A heartwarming tale filled with wonder, adventure, and timeless lessons perfect for young readers who love animal stories and magical "how it all began" adventures.

About the Authors

Esther and Mercy Ondiek, two African sisters, share a profound passion for bringing African stories to life for children worldwide, a passion cultivated through years of working closely with young minds. Esther's experience as a teacher-librarian in Kenya and Mercy's work as an assistant librarian and children's home volunteer (both in Kenya and later in the United States) provided a foundation for their commitment to children's literacy.

While they delighted in the timeless fairy tales they read aloud, they realized there was a noticeable absence of books curated to reflect African stories, voices, and cultural heritage. This gap became their driving motivation.

Inspired by the rich folklore lovingly narrated by their grandmother, Esther and Mercy created their own collection to celebrate African culture, educate and enrich young minds, and bring together readers from all walks of life.

Through their writing, they aim to spark the reader's imagination and kindle curiosity about life and its many mysteries.

Hoofbeats and Tails: The Story of Three Wild Siblings is the first book in this collection, featuring a range of short stories across diverse genres, including legends that honour heroes, folktales that carry moral lessons, and myths that explore the interactions between all living things.