*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 *sweet~treats*:

The City Kittens and the Old House Cat by Olga D’Agostino aka Mrs. D

Published by Dog Ear Publishing: offers a responsive team of editors, book designers, layout technicians and book marketers  to guide you through the  self-publishing process

*Kittens + Christmas?* Yes, please! Any child keen on cats will love this kitten Christmas tale. Nyda, who was once an adopted little kitten herself, is jolted from her comfy, calm lifestyle when her human family’s daughter brings home two kittens from the *big city.* The two little ones, are at first timid and cautious, wary of the looming Christmas tree and towers of presents. But soon,  the colorful ornaments and glowing Christmas lights lure the kittens out to explore and play. Nyda warily guards her belongings,  reluctant to share her home with two new kittens~ that is, until she hears their Christmas story, and how they came to be a part of their family~* This holiday season, Nyda learns to open her heart and home to new friends and family~* The best holidays are those surrounded by ones you love*

With longer amounts of text on each page, this book is perfect for early readers, or for an extended, multiple day read aloud ~ or you can cozy up for a slightly longer storytelling to fit in this Christmas story in one sitting. Themes of sharing, welcoming, and loving are interspersed amongst this sweet tale of kittens and one old cat during the winter holiday. The festive decorations and adorable animals will create warm-fuzzy feelings in your bellies and hearts. Plus, Mrs. D is an accomplished author with a large selection of children’s books to peruse. Take a look at some favorites below!

A bit more about the Author: Olga D’Agostino aka Mrs. D

Mrs. D. (Olga D’Agostino), is an award-winning author from Ukraine. She grew up on a farm in a village nestled in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine. Surrounded by nature and the real world, without TV and toys, she learned to read at a very early age, and books then became a huge part of her life. As a child, she used to create her own imaginary world populated with characters from books she read. She finished business college in Lviv, Ukraine. To escape the harsh reality of life in the Soviet Union, she immigrated to the United States in 1992 with her two small daughters.  She is currently a member of SCBWI, speaks several languages fluently, and loves reading, writing, gardening, and traveling.To learn more, follow her on Instagram: @mrsdbooks  and on Facebook, and check out her website: www.mrsdbooks.net. Plus, check her out on Etsy , to purchase the adorable stuffed animal monster feature in the photos above, and to purchase your very own copy of the book!

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

*****

Max Loves Cupcakes by Ligia Carvalho

Published by Archway Publishing: self-publishing company that offers the highest-quality design, formatting, editorial, and marketing services provided by a team of specialists

*Have a sweet tooth? Calling all lovers of cupcakes!* Prepare for your taste buds to be tingling on this delicious, baking adventure! Join Max and his family as they bake up a batch of homemade cupcakes~ homemade frosting in all. This delightful baking book takes you through the steps of baking~ from finding all of the ingredients, to following a recipe, to learning about safety rules in the kitchen. Most importantly though, of course, join Max and his parents as they discover how to have fun in the kitchen! This interactive book includes opportunities for your child to find and point out different baking tools and ingredients throughout the story *like a delicious cupcake version of I Spy.* It’s the perfect prep for an afternoon of baking with your own little ones! Mmmm, I can smell the scents wafting from the ovens already!

This scrumptious story highlights the value of cooking as a way to bond with your little ones and create memories that will last a lifetime. Food is powerful for being able to bring people together~ baking and cooking together is one way to fortify that bond and make it even stronger. Plus, *added bonus*  there is a terrific CUPCAKE RECIPE at the back of the book~ perfect for transitioning from the story nook to the kitchen to whip on your own batch of sweet treats! Plus, don’t forget to follow the kitchen safety rules you learned in the story! Clean hands and watch out for that *hot* oven~* I’m about ready to whip up another bakers dozen myself~*

A bit more about the Author: Ligia Carvalho

Ligia Carvalho lives in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, with her three bars and husband. She is a Brazilian Canadian author, passionate about books, cooking, and traveling. *Max Loves Cupcakes* is her first book for children. To learn more, follow her on Instagram @ligia.carvalho.author.

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

*****

Rocco the Buffalo and the Lost Toothbrush by Liz Somerville

Published by Chuck House Publishing: Self-Published

Brushing teeth ~ little ones either *love it* or hate it. Well, after reading *Rocco the Buffalo and the Lost Toothbrush* they will definitely *love it.* This rhyming read aloud makes the perfect holiday gift for any reluctant *brushers* out there~ *or for a dentist 😉 * or~ for teaching young ones how to keep their teeth healthy and shiny. A fun read for helping establish the morning bathroom and teeth brushing routine, follow along as Rocco searches for his missing toothbrush, traipsing through his room of toys, and peeking in on his little brother. When he finally finds his missing toothbrush, a catchy rhyme takes you through the teeth brushing routine, from squeezing the toothpaste, to brushing the pearly whites, to rinsing with cool water. Perfect read for making an ordinary routine FUN!

With cute, colorful illustrations, and a cuddly main character, Rocco the Buffalo is sure to charm with his sincere intentions and sweet disposition. Not only do young ones learn about brushing teeth, through Rocco’s actions and experiences, they learn about taking responsibility, not blaming others, searching for and finding lost things, and~ if your little one’s have siblings ~ join Rocco as he learns how to be a wonderful *big brother.*

A bit more about the Author: Liz Somerville

Liz Somerville lives in West Virginia with her husband and 2 energetic boys. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.  She loves mountains, the beach, books, and ice cream. Inspired by her oldest son, she wrote this book to teach little ones a daily-required skill in a way that was fun! To learn more, follow her on Instagram: @roccothebuffalo, and visit her site, lizsomervilleauthor.com

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 a winter wonderland tale   here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*