JACKSONVILLE— Local author Jeni Jennings has released a new picture book designed to help parents and educators guide children who struggle to understand why God made them different. Dotty Makes a Difference follows a young spotted zebra on a journey to discover the purpose behind her unusual spots.
Jennings believes that every child can learn to accept and value their differences with the support of family and friends. In the book, children accompany Dotty and her friend Obi across the plains of Africa as they ask big questions about Dotty’s appearance, face danger together, and ultimately uncover why God created Dotty the way He did.
“Don’t you see Dotty? Your difference made all the difference.”
Jennings said the idea for the story grew more personal when her nephew was born with complications in 2019 that would lead to lifelong challenges.
Jeni states, “As I prepared to enter a writing contest that year, my nephew’s arrival became the heart behind Dotty Makes a Difference—a story about someone born different but on purpose for a purpose. When the story placed third in the children’s book category and a real spotted zebra was discovered the same month, it felt like confirmation that Dotty’s story was meant to be shared.”
Jeni has always had a passion for storytelling. She’s published several novels and is excited to share this story to encourage all children to be difference makers.
This book is available for purchase on Amazon and Goodly Heritage Press.
If you would like more information about this book or would like to arrange an interview, please email the author at jenifer@jeniferjennings.com.
Jenifer Jennings
jenifer@jeniferjennings.com
Instagram: @authorjeniferjennings
Date Posted: June 23, 2026
