Illustrate Zee's World of Quiet Courage

Meet Zee.

Zee is a bright, curious preschooler who sees and feels the world in his own special way.

He doesn't use words to speak—but he communicates so much through his eyes, hands, and heart.

Being Zee is a gentle, sensory-rich children’s book about Zee’s first day of preschool. Through expressive art and emotional storytelling, the book helps children (and adults!) understand that there are many beautiful ways to connect.

Why This Book?

Hi, I’m Roma, and I’m creating a children’s book series to celebrate nonverbal and/or autistic kids—starting with Zee. I’d love your help to bring him to life! I am a therapist, a mental health advocate, and a big believer in the magic of stories that reflect how kids really think, feel, and move through the world. That’s where Being Zee comes from.

It’s a story for kids who experience the world a little differently, and for the grown-ups who love, teach, and support them.

Being Zee tells the story of his first day at preschool. It’s a gentle, sensory-rich journey into Zee’s world—a place where connection doesn’t rely on speech, and difference is met with warmth and wonder.

It’s a story that invites readers to slow down, pay attention, and see that communication comes in many beautiful forms.

Why This Book Matters

We urgently need more stories that reflect the full spectrum of how children experience the world. My hope is that Being Zee will be a mirror for some children, a window for others, and a tool for grownups to teach empathy, understanding, and inclusion.

This book is for:

• Kids who communicate without words and rarely see themselves in stories

• Parents and educators seeking stories that affirm neurodivergence

• Therapists looking for tools that model emotional connection beyond speech

• Any child learning to understand themselves and others

When children see themselves reflected with joy, agency, and belonging—it changes them. When other children see that, it changes the world around them.

How Your Support Will Be Used

Total Goal: $2,000

This budget ensures Being Zee is produced with high-quality art and design, and shared widely with families, educators, and children who need inclusive, affirming stories.

Why Now?

The manuscript is complete. I’ve poured time, care, and professional experience into shaping a story that honors kids like Zee. I need your help to bring the visual piece to life.

And now—I’m beyond excited to share that I’m working with the incredibly talented illustrator Akame (@artofakam)! Their expressive, heart-filled style is the perfect match to bring Zee’s world to life—every page is about to shine with magic and meaning!

With your support, we can give young readers and their grownups a new kind of story—one that speaks through images, empathy, and inclusion, as powerfully as Zee speaks without words.

How You Can Help

Timeline

August –Sept 2025 – Fundraising + Illustrator begins sketches

Oct - Dec 2025 – Final illustrations + eBook design

Spring 2026 – Launch book

A Final Word

This isn’t just about one book. It’s about creating space in the world for children who communicate differently—and showing them that their voices, spoken or not, matter.

If you’ve ever loved a child who experiences the world uniquely, this story is for you.

Thank you for believing in Zee—and in a world where every kind of voice is seen and honored.

With deep gratitude,

Roma