*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 embracing differences:

Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes, and Play-dates by Christine Bronstein, Illustrated by Karen L. Young

Published by Nothing But the Truth Publishing, LLC: Self-published

As a soon-to-be first grade teacher, I will have a classroom made up of a diverse group of students with diverse social, emotional, and learning needs. My ultimate goal is to create an inclusive classroom environment, where all students feel welcome, appreciated, and valued.  While it is not only important for me as the teacher to care for each student, it’s also vital that children feel a sense of belonging with their peers. An excellent way to begin conversations of inclusivity and acceptance with little ones is through children’s books~ and *Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes, and Play-dates* is the perfect read aloud to guide children to embrace differences and appreciate differences. In this story, Stewie and Penelope prepare to have a play-date with Eric, their friend on the spectrum. Their mom, who is aware of Eric’s different social needs and behaviors, helps her children practice using inside-voices, being attentive to body language and others’ emotions, and being flexible, so that they can have a fun play-date with Eric. Overall, the story shows the various ways that families can embrace neuro-diversity.

This book is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, students, and children. The story is not only accessible to little ones, but the book also provides a series of tips to parents~ to help parents prepare for a play date with a special-needs child, and to guide parents of a special-needs child navigate the social scene for their own little one. The book also includes a checklist and certificate at the end for children to practice being accepting and inclusive friends. Through this reading adventure, children learn to be understanding and flexible, and that our differences are what make meeting new friends fun!

A bit more about the Author: Christine Bronstein

Christine began The BOOMS! series when one of her son was born “with an above-average disregard for authority.” He had difficulty adjusting to school and following routine transitions and activities. To help him adjust, Christine wrote little stories~ realistic stories about their own unique, loud, and loving family. In 2013, Christine met Karen Young, the illustrator, and together they decided to pursue publishing the Stewie BOOM! series. To further help parents, they included a targeted interview with a child-development specialist at the end of each book. To learn more, check out the website: www.stewieboom.com, and follow them on Instagram: @stewieboom. 

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

*****

You Are DIFFERENT by Davon Clark, Illustrated by T. Leontyeva

Published by ADC Kids: A multimedia children’s conglomerate, with hopes on for-mulating children and young adult content

If you ever need encouragement to embrace your differences and be proud of who you are~ a read aloud of *You are Different* is the perfect dose of confidence you will need. Following the 5 senses, this read aloud focuses on how what you see hear, smell, feel, and taste, is different from what anyone else experiences~ and that doesn’t make you strange~ rather, that makes you special! And don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise! This book is sure to give you the assurance you need to believe and cherish your body, its senses, and all your unique abilities and perceptions.

With a narrative written as a poem, the words read smoothly and rhythmically. Little ones will be captivated by the bright and detailed illustrations, and the diversity of characters in the story help all little ones connect and relate to the message~ and the message is clear. While others may try to knock you down or make difference feel like a bad thing, remember, that what you experience and who you are is what makes you special and one-of-a-kind! Be proud of and celebrate that *You are Different!*

A bit more about the Author: Davon Clark

Davon is an author, leader, producer, and creator. He holds two NAACP Image Awards and has showcased his independent films at various festivals across the nation. He has also appeared on TV,  in commercials, web-series, and short films. In 2010, Davon became an educational instructor, teaching and mentoring youth. He developed ADC KID and the children’s book series, “The Adventures of Prada Enchilada.” Davon is on the board of a non-profit called AHHAH (Arts Holding Hands and Hearts. In 2018, he was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal Award for his community work. To learn more, check out the website: www.adckid.com, and follow him on Instagram: @adckid.

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 family read alouds  here. *

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*