About Us
The team behind the stripes.
Zoila the Zebra was born from a desire to teach children valuable life lessons in a fun and accessible way. Our stories focus on social-emotional learning, helping kids understand their feelings and build healthy relationships with others.
Meet the Creators
Juanita Quiñones Gándara, M.Ed.
Bilingual Author • Guest Speaker/Educational Consultant • Founder of an SEL Anti-Bullying System
Juanita Quiñones Gándara, lovingly known as “Zoila the Zebra,” is a passionate advocate for inclusion, literacy, and cultural pride. Her stories are inspired by real children, heartfelt moments, and the magical lessons we learn when we open our hearts to others.
Born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas, Juanita proudly embraces her bilingual and bicultural roots. She is a devoted mother of two sons, Mark and Matthew, and a proud “Glamma” to four beautiful grandchildren who inspire her every day.
After a fulfilling career as a bilingual educator and school counselor, she now shares her voice as a bilingual author, educational consultant, and storyteller, encouraging children and families to celebrate diversity, literacy, kindness, anti-bullying, and connection.
Mark Bowles, Ph.D.
Mark Bowles is a Professor of History at American Military University. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Case Western Reserve University and was the Tomash Fellow at the University of Minnesota. He also has an MBA, an MA in history, and a BA in Psychology.
Mark is the co-author of several books in the Zoila series. He is the author of 15 books, including 3 college textbooks. His latest was Just Keep Rowing, a story about Katie Spotz, the youngest person to row a boat, solo and unassisted, across the Atlantic Ocean. He also publishes children’s books.
He and his wife, Nancy, are raising their three children, Isabel, Emma, and Sarah in northeast Ohio. Visit him online at ProfessorMDB.com.
Our Illustrators
Christopher Dart
Illustrator of 3 Books
Christopher Dart is the creative artist who lovingly brought Zoila the Zebra and Armando the Armadillo to life. His beautiful, child-friendly illustrations are featured in:
- Zoila the Zebra's WOW Words of Wisdom
- How to Stop Armadillo Tears
- Zoila's Three Tricks to Help Avoid Getting Sick
R.A. Monday
Illustrator of 1 Book
R.A. Monday brings high energy and expressive depth to character designs. He illustrated the heartwarming migration story:
- The Magical Journey of Little Raquel “La Churros”: Courage of a Migrant Child
Charlote Ellie
Illustrator of the New Release
Charlote Ellie brought the vibrant, diverse cast of school friends and the soft pastel rainbow to life in our newest publication:
- Zoila the Zebra Meets Amazing Friends of All Abilities (A Story About Special Needs)
Our Mission
Every book we create has a purpose: to start a chain reaction of kindness. We believe that by teaching empathy, understanding, and self-care early on, we can help build a brighter future for everyone.