Monkey Tails Books began as a simple idea—one grandmother sharing magical stories with her grandchildren. These stories, originally written by Carla Wellington, were created to entertain her young grandchildren, who were captivated by the fun and adventurous characters, especially the cheeky monkey who became the heart of the series. Carla’s grandchildren have since grown up to become avid book readers, fueled by their upbringing that fostered a love for great story telling and reading. Their joy and enchantment inspired Carla to share these tales with the world, and from there, Monkey Tails Books was born.
Today, Monkey Tails Books aims to engage children globally with captivating stories that not only entertain but also educate. Through these tales, children are introduced to the rich wildlife of Zimbabwe, rural village life, and the local cultures, languages, and values that make Zimbabwe so unique.
Carla Wellington is a proud Zimbabwean with a vibrant and diverse career that spans multiple industries. She has worked in finance, hospitality, and project management, gaining invaluable experience both locally and internationally. Carla’s involvement in various donor-assisted urban and rural projects has given her a deep understanding of the challenges Zimbabwe faces, as well as a profound appreciation for its rich cultural heritage.
Her passion for storytelling began with her own family, as she shared the vivid stories of mischievous monkeys and the wisdom of Zimbabwean elders with her grandchildren. This love of storytelling grew into a mission to keep Zimbabwean culture and folklore alive, especially for children who may be growing up far from home.
Carla’s commitment to preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural values and wildlife has become a key focus of Monkey Tails Books, and her deep connection to her homeland is reflected in every story she writes.
“Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu” An African proverb which translates in English “A person is only a person through their relationship with others” … is a bid to foster goodwill and unite children throughout the world. In our global village, many children are now being raised in foreign countries. These young counterparts interact every day; and through learning and playing; they embrace each other’s cultures. Our original, entertaining and educational stories encourage children to learn and share the languages of our land.
In the spirit of “Ubuntu, we can make a difference together. Each book purchased will allow us to donate a book to disadvantaged children in orphanages in Zimbabwe; so that our underprivileged children can also share this exciting experience. … It does not matter how small the difference is that we each make, what matters is only that we make it …
Many Zimbabwean children are now growing up in the Diaspora. As the years pass, they are losing touch with the rich heritage of our culture. “Monkey Tails” will keep reminding them of their roots, instilling a sense of pride about their homeland; as they share the stories with their counterparts.
