Cooking Up Magic: Tales from the Zodiac Kitchen

As the Lunar New Year approaches, a season of celebration, reflection, and togetherness is upon us. At Picnic Heist Publishing, we love this time of year—a moment to embrace diverse traditions and dream up new stories that connect hearts and minds. This year, we are thrilled to ring in the Year of the Snake with a sneak peek into something truly magical: our first in-house picture book, Tales from the Zodiac Kitchen, by Pat Tanumihardja and illustrated by Bonnie Lui.

Cooking Up Something Special
Our upcoming picture book, Tales from the Zodiac Kitchen, is set to release in November 2025, and it’s been a labor of love that perfectly embodies Picnic Heist Publishing’s mission. This delightful story brings the Malay zodiac to life through the lens of a bustling, whimsical kitchen where the 12 animal signs work together to prepare a feast like no other. Expect laughter, delicious mischief, and heartfelt lessons about collaboration and honoring each other’s strengths. It’s a story that celebrates diversity, unity, and the magic of coming together—core values we hold dear at Picnic Heist.

Rough sketches by Bonnie Lui

Stay Tuned
We’re so excited to share more about Tales from the Zodiac Kitchen in the coming months. From behind-the-scenes glimpses with our talented author and illustrator to sneak peeks of the vibrant artwork, there’s so much to look forward to. We’re grateful to have you along for the journey and can’t wait to unveil this project—one that perfectly embodies our mission of diversity, unity, and creative freedom.

Wishing You Abundance and Joy
As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we at Picnic Heist Publishing want to thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to a year of shared meals, cherished stories, and meaningful connections. May your Lunar New Year be filled with abundance, laughter, and a little bit of magic—the kind you’ll find in Tales from the Zodiac Kitchen this November.