*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 a collection of creative creatures in this week’s storybooks:

I’m Not Just a Scribble by Diane Alber

Self-Published by Diane Alber

A book that promotes literacy, a love for reading, *and art*??? Yes, please! Scribble, the star of the story, doesn’t look like all of the other drawings~ his lines are more blurred, his color more electric, his edges erratic. The other lined drawings tell him to go leave~go away~ he’s too different. However, with self-confidence and sincerity, Scribble stands up for himself and his own value~ after all, his colors are special and his lines are just fine.  It isn’t long before the other drawings invite Scribble to play, and witness the burst of color, joy, and creativity that comes when they all work together.

*I’m Not Just a Scribble* encourages children to be unique and express their own creativity. Too often as kids grow older, they stumble upon the notion that they aren’t *good artists*~ that there is this concrete idea of an artist that isn’t them. But beautiful stories such as this remind little ones *and big ones* that all it takes is a *little encouragement*, a stroke of the pen, a dash of color, and a little scribble ~ to start your own masterpiece and paint your own story. Perfect for inspiring the artist spirit in all children, the author also provides lesson plans for TK-2nd grade, as well as sticker sheets of funky eyes and whacky mouths to stick onto your own scribble creations to create your own artsy characters! This is a book bound to get your little one digging through the crayon boxes and filling pages with splashes of color.

A bit more about the Author: Diane Alber

Ever since she was two years old and could hold her first crayon, Diane Alber has had a passion for art. Diane Alber received her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Arizona State University. She is a wife and a mother of two young  children who love books. She became inspired to start writing and illustrating books because she saw a need for a book that inspired art and creativity in children. She hopes that this book encourages parents to be proud of their children’s art work no matter what it looks like. Learn more about Diane Alber by following her on Instagram: @imnotjustascribble.

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

*****

One Hundred Thousand Some-Things by Ryan Forbes

Published by Friesen Press: Premier self-publishing company that promises to embrace each book as their own, creating an experience for authors that empowers them to share their story with the world.

*~Imagine ~one hundred thousand tiny, colorful, playful antennae creatures + a Las Vegas magician + a giant cake as a big as a house~* Any little one would go  wild for this party! Luckily for you, your little ones can experience and enjoy this wild ride through this creative, imagination-probing children’s book, *One Hundred Thousand Some-Things.* *~Imagine~ All around us are magical, exuberant little Some-Things ~ from Some-Thing Curly to Some-Thing Sticky, to Some-Thing Bright to Some-Thing Dotted ~hiding in our walls, beds, and drawers, waiting to come out and *throw a humongous party!*  And if you happen to own this home filled with a hundred thousand some-things, and become the unwitting host to this party~ you’re in for some delightful chaos *especially when it’s time for cake.*

Be prepared to delve into this new, imaginary world, infused with color, creativity, and magic. Welcome a whole new swarm of mischievous little creatures, devious, but sure to charm your hearts with their riotous adventures. Little ones will scoff and laugh with glee and delight as these thousands of Some-Things fill underwear drawers, throw the grandest surprise party, and turn the house into a cake and *eat it.* However, it’s all in good fun~ as the Some-Things are considerate creatures who leave their host with a tidy home, as good as *new.* It’s so refreshing to explore this whole new universe of innovative characters and whimsical fun. Be sure to join One Hundred Thousand somethings for the party of a lifetime!

A bit more about the Author: Ryan Forbes

Ryan Forbes was born in Oakbank, Manitoba. At a very early age, Ryan discovered his passion for writing. He lives in Oakbank with his wife, Candace, and two sons, James and Sebastian. Ryan’s stories are inspired by the bedtime stories he tells his boys every night. One Hundred Thousand Some-Things is one of their favorite bedtime stories. Learn more by following him on Instagram: @ryandforbes.

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

*****

*~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~*