*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 educational, economical, plus nutritional~ ABC book read alouds:

E is for Economics by Veronica Goodman, Illustrated by Nicole Jones Sturk

Self-Published

As a future first grade teacher, letter recognition, phonics, and phonemics will be the cornerstone of instruction. First grade= where the reading happens! Therefore, alphabet books will be crucial to supporting students as they learn the letters and their sounds. An important part of teaching~ make lessons relevant to students lives! And what could be more relevant than the economy aka $$$. Even little ones understand the basic concepts of money~ and with this economic alphabet book, be prepared to dive further into the realms of economics. Introduce your little ones, and even *yourself* to the language of economics (there are more than a few new economic terms I learned from this book!). Not sure of a term? No worries! Check out this resource guide explaining each term in the book~ perfect for scaffolding and differentiating the amount of information your little one’s get out of this alphabet book.

This is an alphabet book that both children and adults can enjoy and learn from. Plus, the whimsical, full-page illustrations are sure to entertain curious eyes~ keeping little one’s eyes glued to the page as you explain the new terms on each page. With hands grabbing for cookies for *D is for Demand*, and baby toy takeovers for *M is for Monopoly*, the humorous images keep the reading light and fun.  A unique themed alphabet book, students and little ones will be intrigued with the *adult* terms. Children are never too young to learn about the world around them~ use this book to introduce them to a part of life we are all *invested* in!

A bit more about the Author: Veronica Goodman

Veronica is an economist and children’s book author based in Washington, D.C.  She lives with her husband, daughter, and beloved cat, Galileo. Veronica was inspired to write E is for Economics to share the language of her work with her own little one. Her goal is to add diversity to the types of children’s books available to families everywhere, nurture a love of reading in children, and keep both children and parents engaged during reading time. Veronica has graduate degrees in economics and management from Johns Hopkins University, and she earned her undergraduate degree from The George Washington University. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. To learn more, visit her website: www.veronicagoodman.com   and follow her on Instagram @veronicawgoodman.

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

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N is for Nutrition by Todd Skene & Dr. Amneet Aulakh, Illustrated by Kezzia Crossley

Published by Heart Healthy Kids Media: Self-publishing company

Say the word *healthy* and the most immediate association is *exercise.* However, exercise is only a part of the health equation~ in fact, nutritional food choices is one of the most preventative prescriptions for an ailment free, healthy lifestyle. Combine healthy eating with *brain-healthy reading*~ and you are ready to indulge in a full and abundant life! That’s why I’m thrilled too share this *health-minded* ABC book, *N is for Nutrition*~ the best kind of read a loud is one that promotes both Healthy Minds and Healthy Bodies. Journey through the alphabet of fruits and veggies, with each letter represented by a healthy food choice integrated into a playful rhyme. The mini poems herald the wonderful health benefits of the plant foods~ sharing with children the energizing power of nutrient rich foods, and their natural ability to protect and defend the body from diseases.

The bold and colorful illustrations follow a group of little ones as they explore farm-to-table food sources and agriculture. Through the simple rhymes, children learn about the benefits of nutrients, minerals, and protein, the variety of plant-based food groups, the delicious rainbow of natural foods and delicious flavors, and the joys and rewards of farming, gardening, cooking, and eating healthy! As this book becomes an instant child-favorite, little ones will be skipping towards the fresh fruits and veggie aisles of the grocery store, humming the simple, clever storybook rhymes as their mouths water for their fresh, juicy, tastes of healthy fruits and veggies!

A bit more about the Authors: Todd Skene & Dr. Amneet Aulakh

Todd Skene is a father with a desire to raise healthy children.  He is a member of the British Mensa Society and was nominated for Oxford University’s prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Concerned with the constant marketing of unhealthy foods to children by corporations, Todd he that kids can learn about healthier options when it comes to food.  After identifying a lack of simple, fun, educational books that children can read about healthy eating and nutrition, especially about plant-based foods, he came up with the idea of  N is for Nutrition – a book for children, parents, and educators to use for learning and teaching basic eating principles for a healthy life.

Dr. Amneet Aulakh, PharmD is a hospital clinical pharmacist specializing in internal medicine. Dr. Aulakh received her doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Washington and is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to her community. As a healthcare professional and a mom, she is passionate about educating people to make healthy choices and take responsibility for their lifestyles. After seeing so many patients suffering from diseases as a result of lifestyle choices and poor nutrition, she embraced an empowering philosophy of ‘Prevention Not Prescription’.  She believes we can reduce the need for prescription drugs that treat only the symptoms of illnesses by using healthy food choices as a preventative measure and to address underlying causes of diseases.

To learn more, check out their website: www.nisfornutrition.com and follow them on Instagram: @nisfornutrition.

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 *creative* read alouds  here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*