ZANY ZITA

Meet Zany Zita

Zany Zita is a joyful ballerina zebra who dances through life’s challenges in bright, colorful tutus.


Created by and inspired by Keri Lipperini’s journey, Zany Zita represents the misunderstood, the overlooked, the misdiagnosed, and those who have felt unheard.


More than a character, Zany Zita is a message of perseverance, hope, and embracing differences. This community outreach project sparks awareness, empathy, and connection in ways that feel safe, loving, uplifting, and memorable.

The Zany Zita Project

Through books, story-based engagement, workshops, events, and partnerships, Zany Zita brings love, joy, and awareness to children, families, and communities.

Zany Zita helps children and families explore important themes in a way that feels approachable, compassionate, and connected.

Current services include:

  • Book Readings
  • School and library visits
  • Workshops
  • Community events
  • Speaking engagements

Why Zany Zita Matters

Zany Zita was created from a deeply personal mission — to help children and families feel more understood, more included, and less alone.

By using storytelling, creativity, and joyful engagement, the project opens the door to conversations about invisible disabilities, resilience, empathy, and belonging.



This is more than a character. It is a way to connect hearts, build awareness, and create lasting community impact.

10/24

Zany Zita Book Release Party

1PM-3PM

St. John Vianney Parish Hall, Prince Frederick, MD

10/25

Children’s Day

11AM-3PM

Kings Landing Park, MD

11/07

Buehler's Market Place

11PM-1PM

St. John Vianney Parish Hall, Prince 4905 St. Leonard Rd, St. Leonard, MD

11/14

St. Vianney Craft Show

9AM-2PM

105 Vianney Lane, Prince Frederick, MD

11/28

Woodwire and Whimsy

TBD

4250 Hunting Creek Rd, Huntingtown, MD

12/12

Prince Frederick Holiday Parade

10AM-12PM

Downtown Prince Frederick, MD

                                          12/12

Dragonfly Crystal Store

After Holiday Parade

Main Street Prince Frederick, MD

Illustrator - Michael Lipperini

Zany Zita’s joyful world is beautifully illustrated by Keri’s husband, Air Force veteran Michael Lipperini, whose colorful artwork brings warmth, imagination, and heart to every page. 

Graphic Designer - KD Sexton

KD Sexton is a southern Maryland based artist focusing in graphic design, illustration, and painting. She has a deep love for story telling, and enjoys creating vibrant works for all to see. You can find more of her work at:

www.cushiecreates.com

Zany Zita Read-Along Lesson Plan



A helpful lesson plan for parents and teachers to use after reading Zany Zita the Ballerina Zebra and the Magical Tutu Parade!


Click the link below to download the free lesson plan and coloring sheets!



Download Here!

See Zany Zita in the Community

Watch how Zany Zita brings joy, awareness, and connection into the community.

ZANY ZITA THE BALLERINA ZEBRA AND THE MAGICAL TUTU PARADE

Coming: November 3, 2026

ZANY ZITA THE BALLERINA ZEBRA AND THE MAGICAL TUTU PARADE

Coming Fall 2026, the copyrighted manuscript has been tested with children. The beta testing phase is now complete, and early reader feedback was extremely positive. See results below. The book is now in the design stage. Check back for updates.

testimonials

Program Impact Highlights (Beta Testing)

15/15 children rated the book 10/10

100% understood that it’s okay to be different

100% said they would include a friend with differences

Over half shared they personally feel different

Students chose discussion over recess to talk about disability and inclusion

Spontaneous group hug demonstrated deep empathy and understanding of invisible disabilities

Invite Zany Zita

Bring Zany Zita to your school, library, event, or community program.

Contact Us