Who we are
We started Luyana as two sisters from Zimbabwe, inspired by our own children, nieces, and nephews. We wanted them to grow up surrounded by stories in Shona, our mother tongue, and to know that their words and traditions belong in books just as much as anyone else’s. Along the way, we discovered how many families were searching for the same thing: stories that reflect who they are, while also connecting them to the wider world.
That’s why, beyond creating a few books of our own, our biggest passion is sharing the wide range of bilingual and multicultural children’s books already out there. From Shona to other African languages and beyond, we want families to find books where children can see themselves, hear their languages, and celebrate their cultures—while also exploring new ones together.
Our Mission
Our mission is to encourage parents to surround their with stories that reflect who they are and the world they live in. Children’s bookshelves must include the richness of other languages and cultures.
We believe language is more than words—it’s belonging, memory, and identity. By sharing books in other languages, alongside stories from across the globe, we give children the chance to see their own lives represented on the page while also opening doors to new traditions and voices.
Whether it’s parents and grandparents passing down their mother tongue, or children proudly discovering new languages, books can be a bridge that connects us. Our mission is to make those bridges stronger, one story at a time.
Join the adventure
The adventure begins when you open the pages of a book. Whether you're a young reader just starting your literary journey or a grown-up who still cherishes the wonder of hearing a story told in your mother tongue, there's something here for everyone.
Thank you for visiting Luyana Library. We hope you find stories here that feel like home—and others that take you somewhere new. Every child deserves to see themselves in the pages of a book, and every family deserves the joy of discovering languages and cultures together. Happy reading!