The Story of Trunks Maloo by Kurt Jay Betels

Kurt Jay Betels

With a deep love for nature and wildlife, Kurt came up with the idea of Trunks Maloo and his friends to help introduce his two sons to the wonderful characters that coexist in our world. The stories came about when Kurt was waiting in the dark for his boys to fall asleep, and were completed while on safari as a way to keep in touch with his family

Anastasiya Halionka, Illustrator

Originally from Belarus, and now living in the quaint and cozy town of Wroclaw, Poland, Anastasiya is a self-taught artist with immense talent. She has, to date, worked on several children’s books, and has helped Trunks Maloo and his friends come to life in spectacular fashion.

She says, ‘When I was a child, like all children, I loved to draw and create different images and characters – it was a place my imagination could run free! I was not sure though if I could turn my passion into a profession, so when I finished school I first studied law. It didn’t take long for me to realise that I had to follow my dreams, and at 27, I went back to my first love: drawing. This is what excites me; makes my heart
beat faster!’
Anastasiya now gets to create characters and stories that make people
happy, and leaves a lasting mark on their hearts. Her positivity in life
shows in her work, and we are very happy to have her on the Trunks Maloo
team.