*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 books of *the unexpected, acceptance, and appreciation*:

The Teddy Bear 5: The Grumbly Rumbly Tummy by V.F. Gallagher

Published by Nielsen UK ISBN: Self-published

Ever wonder, what do your stuffies do when you aren’t there? While you are playing outside, or away at school~how are they spending the sunshine-y day? For any little one with a teddy bear best friend, or an inseparable stuffie bestie, the idea of what these beloved cuddle buddies are up to when no one is around is a major topic of imagination and consideration. *Reminiscent of the classic Toy Story~ where toys come to life as soon as you shut the door* “The Teddy Bear 5” introduces a new gang of 5 adventurous stuffed animal friends and the shenanigans they concoct while no one is around. Fall in love with Leo the Lion, Blue Rabbit, Smartie the pony, Doggy, and Marshall Bear, as you spend *a day in the life of a stuffie.* In this first adventure of a magical set of books, Doggy is hungry~ and it is up to him and his friends to find the perfect snack to satisfy his *grumbly, rumbly tummy.* ~ and quickly, before anyone comes home~

This imaginative adventure uses photograph illustrations of the actual stuffies exploring their surroundings and home environment. The use of realistic photos brings to life the  magical idea that your little one’s toys really do come to life when no one is around. *The proof is on the pages~* Children will see their toys in a whole new light, and will be delighted to imagine and brainstorm what their own toys are up to when they are away. With your child’s own stuffies, and a camera in hand, you can even work together to create your very own stuffed animal adventure! Overall, this touching tale of friendship opens up a whole new realm of imagination ~*

A bit more about the Author: V.F. Gallagher

Gallagher is a mother of one, located in Dubai. She created this book as a form of creative therapy to battle postnatal depression. The characters in the book are actually her son’s own teddy bears. Gallagher would make up stories for her son with his teddies, telling him what adventures they were up to while he was away. Her son loved this tories so much, she decided to make their adventures into a book that they could read and enjoy together. To learn more about what these cuddly characters are up to, follow *The Teddy Bear 5* on Instagram: @the_teddy_bear_5

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

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The Beauty in Me by Elsie Guerrero

Published by Yorkshire Publishing:  After reviewing your submission and platform and accepting your book, Yorkshire Publishing will offer one of the following publishing agreements: traditional publishing, co-publishing, author assisted self-publishing

Every child learns and experiences the world in different ways ~ some more differently than others. With the diverse range of learning and life experiences all children today face, it is important to raise awareness of learning disabilities and different life experiences ~ with the ultimate goal of inclusion. *The Beauty in Me* works to promote awareness of autism, a developmental disorder that impairs a child’s ability to communicate, maintain and from social relationships, and can lead to a range of self-stimulating, repetitive behaviors. By introducing a class of individual, young students, each with autism, this book serves to inform adults and children about the traits that children with autism may exhibit ~ while at the same time, emphasizing that having autism is not a  deficit~ each child has their own diverse range of strengths and behaviors.

*The Beauty in Me* is also a bilingual book, including both English and Spanish text, making its content even more accessible to a wider range of audiences. Each spread of pages introduces a new child, explaining both a behavior the child may exhibit representative of autism, and a trait or interest of the child that makes them more relatable to others. Overall, through this book, the author aims to portray a more positive perspective of autism.

~Plus: Check out this additional title by Elsie Guerrero *Dancing Luna* ~promoting awareness of dyslexia through the experiences of Luna, a young girl who uses her love for dance to help her learn to read

A bit more about the Author: Elsie Guerrero

Elsie Guerrero is an author, mentor, and advocate. Her goal is to educate the community about disability and immigration. Guerrero’s work experience working with children living with disabilities inspired her to share their stories by spreading awareness of the different types of disabilities, and by promoting inclusion for everyone. Through  her books, Guerrero aims to convey that every person should be treated equally and works to expose the challenges that immigrant children and children with disabilities may face.  To learn more, check out  her website:  www.elsieguerrero.com ,  and follow her on Instagram: @elsie_guerrero

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 inspiring read alouds  here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*