Independent & Self-Published Features: Featuring Brian Wray and Kayla Lopez
*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 children stories of honesty and mental health:
Unraveling Rose by Brian Wray, Illustrated by Shiloh Penfield
Published by Schiffer Publishing: A family-owned, independent publisher of high- quality books since 1974
An estimated 3% of children in the United States struggle with Obsessive Compulsive thoughts. One way to address these thoughts~ and to help not only their family and peers, but also themselves, understand why they have certain behaviors~ is through children’s books. Through literature and illustrations, little ones can begin to process and discuss a diverse array of personal and impactful experiences. For children with OCD, *Unraveling Rose* is a well-crafted children’s book to address obsessive compulsive behaviors, and presents an opportunity for children with OCD to be join in on the discussion of what OCD is and how it may affect their own lives and others’. Through the story of an affectionate stuffed bunny with a little boy best friend, who becomes obsessed with a loose thread dangling from her arm~ pulling at it until it was all she could think about~ little ones with similar behaviors see their own experiences on the pages of a book, and may just feel a little less alone.
Through the story, Rose, the stuffed bunny, also helps children identify coping strategies for obsessive thoughts. Rose encourages children to realize that obsessive thoughts prevent them from doing the things they love most, and that with coping strategies and support, little one’s can clear their heads~ and instead fill their minds with the things and people they love. The book also provides resources and information on OCD, along with some coping techniques that parents and educators could use at home and in schools. These additional resources can be found at the back of the book.
A bit more about the Author: Brian Wray
Brian Wray was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from Penn State University with a degree in film, he moved to Brooklyn, New York. In 2003, Brian was awarded the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Since then, he’s written for Walt Disney Studios and has earned a variety of television producing credits. Brian was inspired by his Disney work and the imaginations of his young daughters to focus his storytelling for a younger audience. Currently, he writes from Brooklyn, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. To learn more, check out his website: www.authorbrianwray.com, and follow him on Instagram: @stanberybooks .
Check here to find this book for your own home library!
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The King’s Egg by Kayla Lopez, Illustrated by Kristina Belikova
Published by Xlibris: Providing authors with the freedom to write, edit, design, and market their own books through self-publishing services
Honesty~ as a kinder teacher, teaching the value of *honesty* is a huge part of the social curriculum. With rampant *he said, she said* scenarios arising several times an hour, it is important for little one’s to have honesty when trying to problem solve. Taking responsibility for ones actions and having accountability is an honorable trait~ but one that children need reinforced. It’s not always easy to be honest~ especially if being honest about a misbehavior will most likely lead to a consequence. But the self-respect and self-pride of being honest needs to be strong enough to shine through fears of discipline. One way to teach the value of honesty~ *you guessed it* ~ is through children’s book read alouds~ And a perfect honesty read aloud : *The King’s Egg* ~ a story that highlights the value and intrinsic (and sometimes *extrinsic*) rewards of being honest.
Little ones will enjoy this brightly illustrated children’s book~ falling in love with a royal family of Emperor Penguins~ King Ray, Queen Loya, and their three sons: Sol, Pop, and Sky. In order to decide which of his children will become the next King, King Ray decides to give each child a test! Whoever passes the test with the best outcome will become King. However~ the King’s test turns out to have a twist~ and the challenge is more than meets the eye. In the end~ it comes down to *honesty* ~and who has the honesty and courage to share with the King what truly happened during the challenge. Which Penguin will be the next ruler of Ice Kingdom~ and how will he do it??? You’ll have to *check out the book* to find out!
A bit more about the Author: Kayla Lopez
Kayla Lopez, is a young self-published author from Houston, TX. She has a passion for art and storytelling, and was thrilled that she could pursue her interests through this book that has made her words come to life! This story originated from a high school assignment to write a children’s book, and was originally titled, “The Egg and Sky.” Kayla stumbled upon the story later in life and was upside to publish it, changing the title to “The King’s Egg.” She hopes to publish many more books in the future. To learn more, check out her website: www.kaylastorybook.com, and follow her on Instagram: @kaylastorybook .
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 *puzzling-perspective* read alouds here. *
*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*