South African Edible Insects Company Launches CaterKidz™ Books to Help Families Rediscover Edible Insects Food Heritage

Mopani Queens is proud to announce the launch of CaterKidz™ Books, the education, publishing and content development division of Mopani Queens, together with the opening of pre-orders for CaterKidz™ Series 1.

Inspired by African traditions, edible insects and the belief that some of the best ideas for the future of food can be found in our traditional food culture, the first four beautifully illustrated books introduce children to the fascinating world of edible insects through imaginative storytelling, fun facts, hands-on activities and interactive learning.

Designed for children aged 4 to 11, the books encourage young readers to explore nature, ask questions and continue the adventure beyond the final page, while giving parents and grandparents an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of edible insects as part of our traditions, food heritage and way of life.

The launch titles include:

• Thori and the Clever Caterpillars

• Lebitsi, Lebitsi la Ka! How to Catch a Giant Jewel Beetle

• The Scent-Sational Stinkbug

• Mimi and the Mighty Mopani

Each story celebrates remarkable edible insects that have been enjoyed across Africa for generations, combining entertaining adventures with meaningful learning experiences that make discovering traditional foods exciting, memorable and fun.

"These stories celebrate edible insects. They encourage children to explore, ask questions and discover that these remarkable foods have always been part of who we are. If we want to make edible insects cool again, we have to start with our children. That's exactly what CaterKidz™ is here to do," says author and Mopani Queens founder Phuti Kabasa.

CaterKidz™ Books builds on the mission of Mopani Queens by creating books, educational resources, workshops and interactive experiences that inspire people to rediscover the role of edible insects in healthy and sustainable diets and share this knowledge from one generation to the next.

"We believe that some of the best ideas for the future of food can be found in our traditional food culture," says Kabasa.

"Our goal is simple: share knowledge, preserve tradition and inspire food, culture and sustainability."

Pre-orders for CaterKidz™ Series 1 officially open on 1 August 2026, with the books scheduled for publication on 1 October 2026.

The launch marks the beginning of the CaterKidz™ journey, with additional educational resources, activities and more surprises planned following the official publication.

Families, educators and anyone curious about edible insects can learn more and pre-order the books from our online shop.

Media Contact

Phuti Kabasa

Founder, Mopani Queens

Email: mopaniqueens@gmail.com

Website: www.mopanibites.com

About Mopani Queens

Mopani Queens is an edible insects company dedicated to helping people rediscover edible insects as part of healthy and sustainable diets. Through innovative food products, education and storytelling, the company celebrates traditional food culture while inspiring new conversations about nutrition, sustainability and the future of food.

About CaterKidz™ Books

CaterKidz™ Books is the education, publishing and content development division of Mopani Queens.

We believe that some of the best ideas for the future of food can be found in our traditional food culture. Through our books, educational resources, workshops and interactive experiences, we inspire people to rediscover the role of edible insects in healthy and sustainable diets and share this knowledge from one generation to the next.

Our goal is simple: share knowledge, preserve tradition and inspire food, culture and sustainability.

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