Refilwe Modiselle is marking a big win in the world of children’s publishing: her debut picture book, Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes, has officially turned one.
Key takeaways
- Modiselle celebrated the first anniversary of Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes after a year since its launch.
- The story centers on Zizi, a young girl living with albinism, with the goal of encouraging representation and understanding.
- In her post, Modiselle credited her own life experiences as the spark behind the book’s message.
- She thanked readers and supporters who backed the project through purchases and attendance at readings.
- Days after the birthday milestone, Modiselle said she received approval from the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
- Looking ahead, she hopes to bring Zizi’s story to more schools, communities, and possibly beyond South Africa.
A year of impact for Zizi’s story
Taking to Instagram, the model, actress, and author reflected on what it has taken to bring the book to life—and what it has meant for families and young readers over the past twelve months. For her, the anniversary wasn’t just a date on the calendar; it was a celebration of a project that has grown into something bigger than a typical children’s tale.
“Happy 1st birthday, my Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes. Today, last year would mark a milestone of the launch of the first book of its kind for children’s education in the world, because of the subject matter!” she wrote.
At the heart of the book is Zizi, a child who lives with albinism. Modiselle created the narrative to promote representation, inclusivity, and understanding, aiming to help children learn how to see people with albinism with respect and empathy. The message is also designed to spark conversations about diversity while actively challenging misconceptions surrounding the condition.
Drawing from her own background, Modiselle said the book encourages young readers to embrace difference—while also building awareness and compassion. She shared that she never fully expected the work to leave such a lasting mark.
“When God made me marry pen to paper and give birth to this book, I didn’t know I would be planting an eternal seed for the trajectory of representation and inclusivity, and an everlasting legacy in literature.”
She then turned to appreciation, thanking everyone who supported the project—whether that meant buying the book, attending readings, or simply sharing its message. “Thank you to everyone who has ever supported, bought a book(s) or been impacted by Zizi’s World,” she added.
Nelson Mandela Foundation approval and plans to expand
The birthday celebration arrived just days after another major moment for Modiselle. She revealed that she recently received approval from the Nelson Mandela Foundation, describing it as an honor while continuing to use the book as a tool to inspire and educate children.
“So much so that this time last week, one received the honour of approval from the @nelsonmandelafoundation to say, ‘Aluta Continua’ as I carry on in the quest to change lives… with every book bought, every book read & every book reading done.”
As she looks forward, Modiselle said she wants to widen the book’s reach by visiting more schools and communities. Her long-term goal is to take Zizi’s story beyond South Africa’s borders—potentially crossing borders to reach new audiences.
“I hope to visit more schools and places soon… perhaps cross borders too.”
In closing, she offered a heartfelt message to supporters and celebrated what she believes will be an enduring legacy. “I’m eternally grateful it’s been a year of strength, solidity and grace to glory! Thank you for the love! Happy first birthday, my (our) baby Zizi! An eternal legacy!”
Since its release, Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes has been praised for helping children better understand albinism while building empathy, acceptance, and inclusion through storytelling.
