Children are naturally curious and adventurous, so Tumba represents the spirit of exploration that many young readers will recognize in themselves.
K.A. Mulenga – 10 April 2026
The Back Flap
Tumba is a curious little owl who loves to explore the world at night. But when his curiosity leads him on an unexpected adventure, he learns an important lesson about courage, wisdom, and knowing when to listen.
A charming and meaningful story that celebrates curiosity while teaching children the value of guidance and good choices.
About the book
What is the book about?
Tumba The Curious Owl is a heartwarming children’s story about a young owl named Tumba who is full of curiosity and always asking questions about the world around him. One night, his curiosity leads him on an unexpected adventure through the forest where he learns important lessons about courage, listening to wise advice, and discovering that sometimes the answers we seek are closer than we think. The story encourages children to stay curious while also learning the value of wisdom and patience.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing Tumba The Curious Owl after reflecting on how naturally curious children are. As a father, I often see how my own children ask endless questions about the world, and I wanted to capture that sense of wonder in a story.
How long did it take you to write it?
The initial story came together quite quickly, but like most children’s books, the real work happens in refining the message, editing the text, and working with illustrations. From the first idea to the final published book took several months.
Where did you get the idea from?
The inspiration came from observing nature and thinking about how animals in the wild explore their environment. Owls are fascinating creatures, especially because they are associated with wisdom. I thought it would be fun to write about a young owl who is still learning and discovering the world.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
One of the challenges with writing children’s books is keeping the story simple while still making it meaningful and engaging. Finding the right balance between adventure and a clear message is always something I pay attention to.
What came easily?
The character of Tumba came very naturally. His curiosity, excitement, and occasional mistakes reflect how children learn about the world. Once I had his personality in mind, the story flowed quite easily.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters are fictional, but their personalities are inspired by real life. Children are naturally curious and adventurous, so Tumba represents the spirit of exploration that many young readers will recognize in themselves.
Do you have a target reader for this book?
The book is aimed primarily at children between the ages of 3 and 8, but it is also designed to be enjoyable for parents, teachers, and caregivers who read stories with children.
How was writing this book different from what you’d experienced writing previous books?
Every book brings something new. By the time I wrote Tumba The Curious Owl, I had already written many children’s books, so I had developed a strong understanding of storytelling for young readers. However, I always try to make each story feel fresh and unique.
What new things did you learn about writing, publishing, and/or yourself while writing and preparing this book for publication?
Each book teaches me something about creativity and perseverance. Writing Tumba The Curious Owl reminded me how powerful simple stories can be. Children don’t need complicated plots — they respond to characters, emotions, and meaningful lessons.
As an independent author, I also continue to learn about publishing, marketing, and connecting directly with readers around the world.
End of Interview:
For more from K.A. Mulenga visit his website and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Get your copy of Tumba the Curious Owl from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
