Taraleigh SkywalkerRapha’s Newly Released "Shimmer: The Polka-Dot Zebra" is a Heartwarming Children’s Story About Identity and Belonging

Marana, AZ, February 03, 2026 --(PR.com)-- “Shimmer: The Polka-Dot Zebra”: a beautifully imaginative story that speaks directly to the hearts of children who feel different, misunderstood, or left out. “Shimmer: The Polka-Dot Zebra” is the creation of published author, Taraleigh SkywalkerRapha, an ordained minister who was raised Mennonite in Alberta, Canada, and later became Pentecostal, eventually settling in Tucson, Arizona. Naturally drawn to children, she has welcomed nine into her life, with eight currently living with her. Since 1998, she has also devoted herself to caring for the elderly by founding two assisted living homes for women, living out her calling to serve “widows in their distress.” An avid learner and reader, she now releases her first book, dedicated to her eldest daughter, Courage. Taraleigh believes children are a reward from the Lord and desires that every child recognize their eternal worth and full potential. Her life and writing are rooted in faith, guided by her belief that “God is the very breath that I breathe.”

SkywalkerRapha shares, “Based on a true-life event, a polka-dot zebra was born in 2019 on the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Polka-dots being born into a world of stripes—an oddity that has never been seen before. Shimmer is about a zebra that doesn’t even know if she is a real zebra if she doesn’t have stripes like everyone else. She doesn’t fit in and is teased and bullied mercilessly until she eventually forgets her own name. One day a group of bullies push her off a cliff into a muddy bog, where she becomes stuck and comes face-to-face with Blamey, a gigantic crocodile. Blamey refuses to eat Shimmer because she “doesn’t have stripes,” which causes Shimmer to burst into tears that she is not even good enough to be eaten. Blamey, with the help of his flamingo and firefly friends, teaches Shimmer what she is really made of and what really counts. What was seemingly the worst day of Shimmer’s life transforms her.

TH IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU.

You are a star plucked from the heavens and wrapped in a mud suit.
Your inner spirit star was created perfectly.
The real you is not mud.
You are pure light.
Shine.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Taraleigh SkywalkerRapha’s new book delivers a powerful message of self-worth, resilience, and spiritual identity in a format children can understand and cherish. Through vivid illustrations and gentle humor, “Shimmer: The Polka-Dot Zebra” invites young readers to see themselves as uniquely created and deeply loved, reminding them that differences are not defects, but gifts that make each life shine.

Consumers can purchase “Shimmer: The Polka-Dot Zebra” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Shimmer: The Polka-Dot Zebra”, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.