*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 *mystery-solving self-discovery*:

Flemming Go! by Beatrice Gentry

Published by Paragon Publishing: Publishing books that encourage learning and play

*Who am I?* It’s a question we all ask sometime in our lives~ we seek to find our own identity, and our place in the world. For Flamingo, born into a family of tortoises when his egg rolled into their nest, finding just who he is is challenging when all he’s ever known are the small green reptiles with shells on their back and scales on their limbs. Plus, the other jungle animals don’t seem to want to help, or even like him, when all they shout to him is, “Flemming, Go!” He must be a Flemming, and they want him to go…Or so he thinks. Could it be instead that the animals are all ecstatic to see a beautiful creature, a “Flamingo!”  Not knowing who he is or where he really comes from, our friend mistakes their raucous cheer for harshness, and continues to wander aimlessly, until out on the beach he sees someone tall and pink, looking just like him…

This charming read aloud plays on phonics to create a clever story twist. Children will giggle over the dramatic irony of Flamingo’s misunderstanding. However, young ones can also empathize with the idea of trying to fit in, being lost, and looking for your family. An accessible read aloud for young children to discuss finding one’s own identity and what that means, *Flemming Go!* will take little one’s on a journey through the jungle, to the vast, clear beaches where acceptance and belonging lie.

A bit more about the Author: Beatrice Gentry

Beatrice Gentry was born in Trier, Germany, where she grew up and discovered her passion for fine art. In 2001, Beatrice graduated from Fashion School in Stuttgart, Germany, and hosted a few art and photography exhibitions. In her early adult life, Beatrice worked for a fashion studio in Paris as a textile designer. Beatrice is a mother to two bilingual children, both of whom inspired her to create her first illustrated children’s book, “Piep,” the story of a half pig and half sheep that discusses diversity and tolerance. “Flemming Go!” is her second illustrated children’s book. To learn more, follow her on Facebook , and on Instagram @beatrice.gentry. 

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

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The Sloppy Okapi by Keith Bosco and Illustrated by Taylor Patterson

Published by Yellow Light Publishing: Self-published

*The bigger the mess, the more fun was had!* Or so went my excuse when the floor of my room was lost beneath a litter of toys and mountain of books. Blankets would droop and splay from a stack of chairs and boxes, shoved haphazardly into the corner of my room~ a fort from past adventures. Shoes were scattered and outfits lay strewn across the bed. Looking for that one favorite toy, or special pair of socks? My parents weren’t about to find them anytime soon~ can you relate??? Charlie the okapi *aka a forest-giraffe or zebra-giraffe* sure can! Charlie dreams of being a detective, but part of the job is wearing the proper attire, and if Charlie can’t find his badge, hat, or magnifying glass in his *sloppy* room, can he really be a detective?? If only his room were neater, he may be able to find his special gear…

But~ no fear! Because, as the wise toucan in the story points out, being *sloppy* is a choice, and you can choose to be neat. Being messy is not *who you are,* you have the power to change your behaviors. And if you have the choice and power to help make your dreams come true~ choose to take it! Join Charlie as he learns the importance of being neat, and the excitement of pursuing his dreams. Little one’s will learn that their faults or weaknesses don’t determine who they are~ rather, it’s their efforts to improve and be the best they can be that make a different. Plus, be prepared for the most gorgeous illustrations~ illustrator Taylor Patterson creates a dream-like , magical world with her use of soft, airy colors and bright, shining backgrounds. Swirls of lavenders, purples, and blues, with white light shining through from beyond create picturesque landscapes and backdrops. Be prepared to be swooped into this dreamy, magical world of Charlie, *The Sloppy Okapi.*

A bit more about the Author: Keith Bosco

Keith Bosco is an author, musician, songwriter, husband, and father of four, with a Human Services Background. Born and raised in Delaware, Keith grew up with a passion for songwriting and performing.  Before leaving his job to pursue his dream of publishing his own children’s illustrated book, Keith was the Assistant Director of a non-profit that helped individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Keith and his family packed up there home and have been traveling in an RV to promote his book “The Sloppy Okapi,” which is published through his own publishing company, Yellow Light Publishing.  T learn more, check out his website: www.thesloppyokapi.com , and follow him on Instagram @thesloppyokapi. 

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~*