Independent & Self-Published Features

Independent & Self-Published Features: Featuring Miranda Mittleman & Cathy Symons

by MaiStoryBook

*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 inspirational doggy read alouds:

Watching out for Digger by Cathy Symons, Illustrated by Anne Zimanski

Published by CreateSpace: self-publishing company providing tools, quality printing, booksellers, eBook distribution, and marketing strategies

 

As a proud pooch owner of a shelter puppy myself, I am a proponent of adopting animals from rescue groups and animal shelters. My last two dogs have been rescue dogs, and they have been the sweetest, best friends and most loyal companions my family and I could have hoped for. Adopting a new pet is a big commitment itself, and adopting a pet with special needs can seem  like a daunting task. But as young Patrick and Hannah learn in this children’s book about Digger, the blind pug, with just a few more extra rules and a tiny bit more responsibility, any pet can fit right into your happy home. In this story, little one’s learn the steps to create a safe environment for a blind dog, and how to care for one properly. Through the vibrant and joyful illustrations, they also come to realize that having a blind dog is no different than having any other kind of dog~ with a blind dog, be prepared for afternoons of adventures and endless hours of cuddles and fun.

The author weaves a list of house safety rules into the story to show audiences the preparation necessary for welcoming blind dog into their family.  The pictures detail the necessary responsibilities needed to keep a new pet safe, as well as all of the fun and creativity that comes along with having a new puppy. The colorful illustrations also highlight the love and joy both the dog and the family feel when they are united together as a new family in their home.  Little ones rise to the occasion when given more responsibility, and having a pet with special needs encourages them to consider others’ needs, different perspectives, and to care and watch out for those that need their help. Watch as Patrick and Hannah turn their backyard into a festive celebration of bubbles, balloons, and marshmallow creations~ all in the spirit of helping their newest family member~ Digger!

A bit more about the Author: Cathy Symons

Cathy Symons is a veterinary technician and has been caring for animals for over 25 years. She studied anime rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee, and in June of 2003, she became one of the first 36 people in the country to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP).  In 2003, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the first veterinary rehabilitation centers in Massachusetts. She now manages the rehabilitation program at The Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center.  She has devoted her  professional life  to teaching students pursuing an interest in veterinary rehabilitation.  She has had 3 special pugs in her life: Booda, Chopper and Digger. Her family adopted Digger, a 5 year old, blind pug, because they knew they could give him a great life after caring for Booda, their first blind pug.  To learn more, check out the site: www.blind-devotion.com  and follow them on Instagram: @diggertheblindpug.

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

*****

Paws and Think: I Am Important by Miranda Mittleman

Published by Mascot Books: independent full service book publishing company that works closely with independent authors in every phase of writing, book production, book marketing, and book distribution.

 

To love, be loved, and to be present for those that love you are all highly important responsibilities we all bear.  In *Paws and Think* our puppy friend looks forlornly on as police dogs, firefighter dogs, and TV dogs strut by, padding along with important jobs and duties to fulfill. Feeling insignificant pacing around in his own backyard, our puppy pal escapes from his backyard home to find out what his own important duty will be. However, after hours of wandering, he stumbles upon a familiar face pinned to a pole, looming under the title *Lost Dog.* Recognizing himself on the poster, our puppy friend races back home, realizing that his family needs him. Join along as our puppy pal learns that  he is important because he is part of a family and he makes them happy. Bringing joy and love is the most special job to have,

The rhyming rhythm of this story makes it an enjoyable read aloud for young children, and this short and sweet, simple tale drives home the message that *I am important.* Being your true self and being a part of a family are significant jobs to have. Being a part of a family means giving love and accepting love, and families love you just for being *you.* Families with dogs and pets of their own will connect and relate to the feelings associated with having a special four-legged family member, and will be able to attest to the importance they hold in the family unit. Encourage little ones to recognize that they too hold important roles no matter what they do, as they will always bring happiness and joy to their loved ones~ and that makes them instant family member VIPs.

A bit more about the Author: Miranda Mittleman

Miranda Mittleman grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Towson University. She’s enjoys running, has a black belt in karate, and was even a contestant on Wheel of Fortune! However, her true passion has always been poetry and she can recite most poems from her childhood by heart. Miranda was inspired to write the PAWS and THINK!® series while living in the city with her husband, Michael, and their playful mutt, Weaver. To find out more, check out the site www.pawsandthinkbook.com, and follow them on Instagram: @pawsandthinkbooks

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 bedtime read alouds  here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*