Welcome to the Zuniverse

Fantastically illustrated, this book will appeal to kids and adults alike. "Welcome to the Zuniverse" carries with it a vital message for every individual, big or small. It is a space-themed parable for responsible toileting. The cultivation of a kind, thoughtful self begins with the most basic of things: our everyday lavatory visits. Disciplining ourselves in the simple cleaning up of our own little messes is the genesis of a journey towards true greatness. You cannot achieve great things unless you master the little ones first. Taking responsibility in our daily toileting habits is indeed the first step to greatness. We truly are our own worst enemy. Slaying the giant of self-centredness within is the absolute key to our quest for a better self and a better world. Yes, we can be better, starting with the humble restroom. Isn't that how we all begin our day? "Welcome to the Zuniverse" is a result of my observations as a parent. Through the passage of parenthood, I realised that there is nothing instinctive about cleaning up one's own little messes after using the toilet. When my kids have their friends over for play dates, it further confirms my belief that these things have to be taught; responsible toileting is simply not going to happen out of thin air! So I had to conduct training sessions for my kids to learn how to use toilet paper to wipe off "over-spurts" and how to use cleaning agents and toilet brushees to clear off stubborn "stickies". Obviously there were times where I entered the bathroom and still find unpleasant residues and that is where the countless reminders came in. I wished I had a book like "Welcome to the Zuniverse" where I could hand it to them and empower them with a standard term of reference. With the book, my kids would now know exactly what I am referring to when I tell them: "hey, I still see over-spurts on the floor!" Even better, when I spot something amiss, all I need to do is simply go up to them and gently say: "Welcome to the Zuniverse" and they will get it. Just mentioning that alone, they will get it! They will get it, and start cleaning up their own little messes. Even though "Welcome to the Zuniverse" is designed as a children's book, it is really meant for all ages. Truth be told, it is not just the children that need to be taught, many people of varied ages too, need a lesson on responsible toileting. Ultimately, the central core of such a lesson is really about being kind and other-centred. With "Welcome to the Zuniverse," such lessons can be communicated with both clarity and subtlety.