*Highlighting up and coming illustrators and authors from independent publishing houses and self-publishers*

Please reach out to MaiStoryBook through Instagram, FB, or by commenting on my blog, and *share or tag* books, authors, or illustrators who would fit into this category of independent/self publishing! I’m excited for the wonders we will find!

Now without further ado~

This week’s featured *action and adventure* books:

 The Adventures of Mimi and Moto: The Motorcycle Monkeys by Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn

Illustrated by Esteban Alvarado

Published by  Little Rider Enterprises: Publishing books to inspire the next generation of motorcycle riders and promote riding safety

Rev your motors and gear up for a lifetime of adventure with Mimi and Moto, two motorcycle monkeys, as they take you over the mountains, through the city, and across the deserts. Each flip of the page reveals a new, bold colored landscape featuring Mimi and Moto on different types of motorcycles ranging from  sports bikes to choppers to cruisers, and even a sidecar! Children, particularly those with a love for motorcycles, will delight over the various motorcycles depicted. Additionally, the text is simple, with a sentence per page, making it the ideal read aloud for younger children who will enjoy “reading” the book with you overtime as they invariably request to read it over and over again~

The perfect book for rider enthusiasts to share their passions with their little ones, this book introduces children to the world of motorcycle riding while also  reinforcing the importance of motorcycle safety and the proper protective gear and attire. Furthermore, the book highlights that both girls and boys can love motorcycles~anyone can become a rider! The colorful, crisp illustrations by Esteban Alvarado *pop* and capture your attention, and will no doubt further engage the child and draw them into the world of motorcycles.

A bit more about the Authors: Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn

Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn are motorcycle fanatics who wanted to share their love for riding with their infant daughter. Their little girl was already flipping though American Motorcyclist magazines, pointing out motorcycles with enthusiasm. However, upon searching for an age-appropriate, motorcycle-themed children’s book, none could be found! Their solution: create their very own motorcycle monkey franchise to build a fun and inspiring children’s motorcycle world! Thus they created Mimi and Momo, two adventurous, motorcycle monkeys to help riders share their passion for motorcycles with their children. To learn more, check out their site: mimiandmoto.com , and follow them on Instagram @mimiandmoto.

Check here to find this book for your own home library!

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Run Banana Run! by Kitria Stewart

Illustrated by Keith Gannon

Published by Read More! Run More!:  Independent publishing company started by author Kitria Stewart

*A state of grace and perfection = Healthy Mind and Healthy Body* With her book, “Run Banana Run!”,  author Kitria Stewart promotes both the importance of a healthy mind through the power of reading, and emphasizes the value and necessity of exercise for a Healthy Body~both of which are portrayed in a creative, colorful way. In this fabulous, fruit-filled story, follow Banana as he prepares for his running race. Learn about stretching, drinking enough water, and putting on sunblock~ all tasks that are  necessary to  prepare for a safe and healthy run. Children will enthusiastically cheer on Banana as he takes off from the starting line and makes his way through the course.  Despite setbacks, Banana continues to persevere and is determined to  succeed and finish the race. Can Banana overcome the challenges that arise during the race??

This book highlights the importance of *never-giving-up*, and portrays the value of having friends and family who support you and cheer you on! Children will also enjoy the colorful fruit creations, and will giggle over the fruity -animated faces created by illustrator Keith Gannon. The pages are filled with oranges, strawberries, raspberries, galore! So grab a bowl of fruit and a pair of sneakers, hydrate with some cool, crisp wager, and *On your mark…Get set…..Go Read “Run Banana Run”!*

A bit more about the Author: Kitria Stewart

Kitria Stewart was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She has a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso. Her love for writing grew after being published through Borderzine, a digital publishing platform. As a former track athlete, she enjoys getting involved in the community to engage the young children through sports and reading. To learn more, follow her on Instagram: @kitriastewart

Check here to find this book for your own home library!

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Steve the Alien by G. Brian Benson

Illustrated by Paul Hernandez

Published by G. Brian Benson: Self-Published author

*It’s a bird..no, it’s a plane… no, it’s a…UFO???!!* Such was young Zeke’s bewildered amazement when a silver UFO came  hurdling down towards planet Earth and landed right…above…him…From beyond the spaceship doors pops out none other than *Steve the Alien.* And thus begins Steve the Alien’s epic retelling of his journey through the galaxies and beyond, all while doing his best to answer Zeke’s perplexing questions. Ever wonder what space-aliens do up in the universe for some friendly competition? Find out all about Steve the Alien’s  reasons for coming to planet Earth, and what he really needs from Zeke, the human,  to complete his intergalactic game.

Written in friendly and flowing rhythmic verses, this fun, rhyming read aloud journey will show children the importance and value of sharing what they have with others, and accepting those who are different from them with no judgment. Additionally, the illustrator Paul Hernandez, through his artwork, brings to life the universe and the galaxies beyond. Steve the Alien practically leaps off the pages, and children are prompted to respond to the final question: What would you do if an Alien showed up next to you, and asked you for help on their intergalactic quest?

A bit more about the Author: G. Brian Benson

G. Brian Benson is an author and screenwriter. He has written two award-winning self-improvement books:  Brian’s List – 26 1/2 Easy To Use Ideas on How to Live A Fun, Balanced, Healthy Life! ~ the winner of a Next Generation Indie Book Award in the Self-Help category~ and Finding Your Voice ~ an award-winning Finalist in both the USA Book News and the Indie Excellence Book Awards~. Benson also has written the screenplay for two award-winning short films, including the Guitar Man and Searching for Happiness. He also has published works on shared blogs, and has dabbled in poetry. Steve the Alien has become an Amazon #1 Best-Seller. To learn more, check out his site: gbrianbenson.com, plus follow him on Instagram: @gbrianbenson.

Check here to find this book for your own home library!

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*~Support these independent/self-published authors and illustrators and check out what they’ve been writing and creating.  Please share any books, authors, or illustrators that fit into this category by tagging me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary,  posting on MaiStoryBook’s FaceBook page, or commenting on the blog below! I’m always looking for new treasures to read, support, and share with all of you!~*

*Plus, checkout out an interactive  read aloud of one of my current November *feast* favorites  here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*