*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 Spanish-English bilingual beauties:

Malty the Blue Tiger *Marita la tigresita azul* by K.Kloss, Illustrated by Rosa Horiuchi

Self-Published

As a teacher, especially in SoCal, it is highly important to me to promote bilingualism and use native language as an asset to support and access new language. That’s why I am extremely grateful for authors whose children’s books encourage bilingualism and reinforce new vocabulary in two different languages~ Just like *Malty the Blue Tiger* does. Written in both English and Spanish, this book not only teaches vocabulary in new languages, but also imparts a message of self-confidence and the value of *being unique.* Malty believes her *Roar* sounds horrible, and pretends to make the same sounds as the other animals around her. However, her fake animal calls scare off the other creatures, leaving her lonely and lost, until~ a fluttering green butterfly comes and shares a special place with Malty~ a place where being your true self is the best self to be! With a rhyming, repetitive storyline, little ones will be chanting along to the story, cheering Malty on to find her true self.

Not only does this book have a special message, it is also educational. Key vocabulary words and colors throughout the text are bolded in both language  so that little ones can compare selected English and Spanish words. A picture vocabulary chart is also included in the back of the book, listing English and Spanish word pairs. The images support comprehension of the vocabulary words and give little ones an additional access point to the new words. Plus, there’s a very cool *Did You Know?* fact at the end of the story…Could it be that there just might actually be~ Blue tigers???

A bit more about the Author: K. Kloss

K. Kloss was inspired to write children’s books while she was working as a babysitter for Manhattan families. At night, she would read countless books to the children she cared for. She believed that life could be *sprinkled with a little  more fun* and wanted to spread the message that ~No matter how you’re different, you are so very special and help make the world beautifully diverse~* K. Kloss is also a national magazine editor who has published in more than 30 publications. Check out their site for Awesome Activities, Crafts, and Yummy Recipes:  www.maltythebluetiger.com, and follow them on Instagram: @maltythebluetiger

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

*****

Jameon’s Closet *El Amario De Jaime* by Shauna Havlina & Leanne Richter

Self-Published

As a teacher, behavior management is a huge part of the day. But one thing I’ve learned this past year while student- teaching is that child misbehavior always has a cause. Children don’t misbehave for no reason; there are always factors behind why a child acts out~ a common cause is social-emotional feelings. Little one’s often don’t know how to handle *big* feelings~ especially feelings of distress, frustration, and anxiety. Instead of sharing their true feelings~ they tend to bottle them up inside~ and soon little ones may begin to act differently, bursting out angrily or being disruptive. It’s important to teach children how to talk about their feelings, and *Jameon’s Closet* is the perfect tool to share with little one’s a strategy to express their emotions that feels safe and manageable. A resource for parents, teachers, counselors, and therapists, this book encourages children to share what is troubling them, and speak about difficult experiences, such as trauma. *Bonus~ it’s available in both Spanish and English*

Using a dirty closet as an analogy for pent up feelings, little ones watch as Jameon learns, with a help of a counselor, how to slowly clean out his closet, using small steps, taking breaks, and  relying on the support of those who care about him. Little by little, Jameon is able to unpack the *dirty* items in his closet, until it is *neat and clean* and Jameon feels better. After the closet tale~ the story continues on to relate the closet experience with how children handle their feelings. When you have someone you trust, little by little you can start to share your own feelings and experiences , and slowly you can begin to *clean out your closet.* Perfect for anyone who has or works with children~ use this resource to start a discussion and conversation with kids, encouraging them to recognize and express their emotions.

A bit more about the Authors: Shauna Havlina & Leanne Richter

Shauna and Leanne are both licensed marriage and family therapists. They work with your in Los Angeles County and have spent the last ten years specializing in trauma related services for children and their families. Leanne currently supervises clinicians working in the juvenile justice system, and Shauna has her own practice in Redding, CA. To learn more visit their sites: leannerichtermft.com & shaunahavlinatherapy.com. Follow their book on Instagram: @ jameonscloset

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 motivational read alouds  here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*