*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~

Featuring this week’s amazing *animal* and *artist* adventures:

Woofy Woo Woo and the Grand Exhibition by Louise Elisabeth Robertson, Illustrated by Katherine Varga

Published by Dog Ear Publishing: self-publishing platform providing a responsive team of editors, book designers, layout technicians and book marketers

As a strong proponent of the arts, and as an artist myself, I firmly believe that everyone can be an artist~ anyone can create ~ all it takes is imagination and heart. And that is exactly what Woofy Woo Woo the Artist Dog embodies. When the opportunity arises that he may have even the slimmest chance to display his own paw print artwork in a gallery, Woofy seizes the opportunity, stealthily slipping his own art print into the gallery selection. Woofy believes in his own artwork and in its value to be displayed in a gallery. His passion for art and creating are apparent, and encourages young artists everywhere to believe in their own artistic abilities and to create something they are proud of.

Art is another mode of communication~ a way to share your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs nonverbally, through visual representation. As the artist, not only do your intentions shine through the artwork, but also audiences can project their own beliefs onto the image.  The illustrations in this book aide in the telling of the story, allowing readers to follow along with the plot, and helping them to envision the various scenes throughout the story. Additionally, I enjoyed reading and *viewing* the story through the dog’s lenses and perspective, thus allowing me to be relate to the canine character.

A bit more about the Illustrator: Katherine Varga

Katherine, known as Rin, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art specializing in illustration. Rin has interned on the design of two books for production, and uses her technical skills to help develop books for print. She now works as a freelance illustrator and finds inspiration for Woofy from her own dog, Tessie. This is her first book as an illustrator. Find out more about Woofy on Instagram: @talesilove  and the site, www.talesilove.com 

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

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Rosie the Pig by Dr. Rebekah Hartfield

Published by Workman by Design: focused on designing brands and experiences that emotionally engage and connect with clients/consumers through conceptual design

Any animal lovers or aspiring vets out there?? This book is the perfect intro to inspire a love and care for animals, and to get a behind-the-scenes first glance as to what a vet can actually do~ from taking a sneak peak at the tools in a vet bag, to administering an exam, to even giving treatment to cure a young pig. Join Abby and her dog Trooper as they learn how to care for their animal friends. In this mini pink book, Rosie the pig isn’t feeling to well, and its up too Abby and Trooper to call for help, as well as administer pre-exams to inform the vet of Rosie’s ailment.  Will Abby and Trooper be able to treat their special friend?

Not only is this book encased in a delightful hot pink cover, but the full-spread illustrations with their simple, and bold images work to create a a charming, educational, and informative read.  The book is also *interactive*, and thus is bound to encourage conversation and even some problem solving. Comprehension assessments are scattered throughout the book, including a mini assessment on being able to identify different vet tools, and  a mini *exam*  assessment included at the end of the story. This book is perfect for teachers looking for a read aloud book with a *built-in* lesson plan, and for introducing a veterinarian career to little ones with a love for animals.

A bit more about the Author: Dr. Rebekah Hartfield

Dr. Hartfield has been around animals her whole life. When she was younger, she was homeschooled so that she could spend more time riding and showing horses in her hometown of Bridgeport, Texas. At 19, she went to work for a dude ranch in Colorado, and spent summer there caring for horses and the ranch. After that experience, she decided to pursue an associate’s degree in equine science and a veterinary assistant’s degree.  Her husband encouraged her to pursue her veterinary degree. Dr. Hartfield currently works fora mixed animal practice in Cushing, Oklahoma.  Learn more about her work and her book at: www.doctorhartfield.com, and follow her on Instagram: @dr.hartfield.

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 one of my favorite interactive read alouds  here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*