A picture book for curious kids

Zaki’s Missing Stripes

A zany zebra. A very bad, no-good morning. And a lesson about being yourself, one stripe at a time.

Coming October 2026 Enter to win a signed copy
Book cover for Zaki's Missing Stripes, showing a startled zebra under a full moon on a hillside
Format
Picture book
Best for
Read-aloud storytime
Release
October 2026

The Story

What else could go wrong for Zaki?

On a walk to his uncle’s house to help him paint, Zaki suddenly discovers that his stripes are missing! This charming story about a zany zebra overcoming obstacles will warm your heart, make you laugh, and have you on the lookout for your own missing stripes.

  • A read-aloud picture book perfect for storytime
  • A gentle, funny take on self-acceptance
  • Bold, hand-drawn illustrations on every page
Zaki the zebra, wide-eyed and mid-shout

Meet the Hero

Zaki

Zaki is a zebra with a big personality and an even bigger reaction to a bad morning. He talks a mile a minute, trips over his own hooves, and has strong opinions about jelly spills and bird droppings. He’s never met a problem he couldn’t turn into a one-liner — until the day his stripes just… vanish.

What Readers Are Saying

Praise for Zaki’s Missing Stripes

“Get ready for an amusing story of self-discovery in the humorous and entertaining picture book, Zaki’s Missing Stripes. From jelly spills and bird droppings to numerous witty one-liners…”

— Readers’ Favorite

“Zaki’s Missing Stripes is a delightful read for children, filled with humor, relatable experiences, and a valuable lesson about self-acceptance. It’s a wonderful addition to any young reader’s collection and is sure to leave them smiling.”

— Kid’s Picture Book Review

“Zaki’s Missing Stripes is a must-read for anyone who wants to discover the power of being different. Filled with beautiful illustrations, this book is a visual treat that will capture the imagination of readers young and old.”

— Midwest Book Review

The Team

Author & Illustrator

Vince Tylutki

Author

Vince Tylutki writes picture books for kids who ask a lot of questions and adults who still remember what that felt like. Zaki’s Missing Stripes is his story about the morning a very unlucky zebra learns that being different isn’t the problem — it’s the point.

Sanghamitra Dasgupta

Illustrator

Sanghamitra Dasgupta brought Zaki and his world to life with bold linework and sunset-soaked color, turning a bad morning into something genuinely beautiful to look at, page after page.

Launch Giveaway

Win a signed first edition

Zaki’s Missing Stripes officially launches in October 2026. Leave your email to hear the moment it’s out, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free first-edition copy autographed by Vince Tylutki.

We’ll only email you about the book and the giveaway. No spam, ever.

No purchase necessary. One entry per email address. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older; grown-ups, please enter on behalf of your young readers. The winner will be drawn at random after launch and contacted by email.