*~This week MaiStoryBook is highlighting a solo independent children’s book publishing company ~*

Please reach out to MaiStoryBook through Instagram, FB, or by commenting on my blog, and *share or tag* publishing companies, 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 *Ethicool* 

An independent children’s book publishing company based in Australia, Ethicool publishes stories that engage children in conversation about the world’s big issues. Through picture books about climate change, ocean waste, bullying and anxiety, the consequences of greed and political corruption, and the importance of gender equality, Ethicool’s goal is to make these heavier themes accessible to children, and to inspire readers at a young age to make a positive impact on the world around them. Ethicool was founded by parents determined to create a better world and future for their children. Through storybooks with stunning illustrations, lyrical prose, and memorable stories, Ethicool aims to make story time inspirational, educational, and meaningful.

**Why I’m excited about this publishing company and their work, and honored to share ~ just a few~ of their amazing books **

With support and guidance, littles are eager to step up and actively make a positive impact on their environment and community. One of the best ways to introduce children to big topics, to help them understand, empathize, and connect to world events and experiences other than their own, is through children’s books. The pictures and narratives offer them a window into events that happen beyond what they can see, and can reflect a mirror for them to process and express what they may be experiencing themselves. Ethicool publishes a series of books that creates these opportunities for children to engage. From reads about the importance of expressions emotions to the value of honoring Mother Nature, check out a taste of Ethicool’s reading adventures below!

Click here to add Ethicool’s books to your own shelves

Books about Nature and Climate Change

• 

• 

Remembering Mother Nature by Stuart French

Explore the beauty of Mother Nature through this lush children’s book. Read along as we catch a glimpse at the wonders Mother Nature has created and fostered. Little ones will enjoy identifying the colorful animals found in the picture spreads, and will be inspired to take action to help preserve the environment and homes of these creatures. This read is a great book to connect to the story go Greta Thunberg and her own environmental activism. This book depicts ways that humans have been harming the earth by cutting down trees and hunting animals, and shows Mother Nature standing up to defend the wildlife. It’s not until others join her that Mother Nature is able to rise up and continue to nurture the Earth and all it’s life.

• 

• 

My Rainforest Classroom by Stuart French

With rhyming prose, this book brings awareness to endangered animals. A young boy, Charlie, sets off on a wildlife adventure, exploring the rainforests and oceans to discover animals that are endangered and have been hunted or kept in captivity by humans. Through full-page, colorful illustrations, readers can envision what the planet used to look like before humans started building and clearing the environment. Towering trees, verdant plants, cool streams, and flocks of animals fill the landscape as a wise owl shows Charlie the beauty of Earth before human destruction. Through this story, readers will be inspired to advocate for endangered animals and for preserving national forests and wild lands.

• 

• 

Uncle Marlow’s Machine by Stuart French

Explore different forms of renewable energy with Uncle Marlow in this children’s book about climate change. Little Henry is excited to visit Uncle Marlow on his farm. Henry’s heard that Uncle Marlow has been building a special machine, and can’t wait to see what it is! Uncle Marlow describes it as something the world needs, but that the city people won’t like. Curious, Henry bursts through the barn doors to discover a wind turbine. Read along as Henry learns about climate change and the necessity of wind turbines and other sources of renewable energy to help stop and reverse its harmful effects. The story touches on politics as Uncle Marlow explains that some industries are reluctant to use renewable energy because “the people that run the country are friends with the people that run the smoky coal factory.” After reading this story, prompt your own littles to think about how they can help conserve energy in their own homes.

Books About Sharing

• 

• 

Simon and the Sad Salad by Teigan Margetts

More than half of the world’s population lives in poverty, and the gap created by wealth inequality continues to widen. In this children’s book, littles read about how they can support a friend who has less than they do. It’s time for a class party, and each student brings a special dish to share from home. The students bring in full plates of food, except for Simon, who brings a *sad* salad with few ingredients. A friend, Sasha, notices that Simon also comes to school with ragged clothes, and sometimes appears as though he hasn’t been able to shower in awhile. At home, Sasha’s mom explains to her that Simon’s mom lost her job and their family can’t afford the same things anymore. Sasha contemplates how she can help Simon, and decides that she will bring extra lunch each day to share. This read is especially relevant now, as due to COVID, unemployment rates are rising and many families may struggle with loss of income. Families fortunate enough to have more resources can consider ways to support the who may need extra support.

• 

• 

Ella and the Exploding Fish by Teigan Margetts

This story combines themes of sharing, ocean conservation, and responsibility. Ella and Ava head to the pet store to buy decorations for their new fish tanks and pet fish. Ava buys fresh seaweed for her tank, but Ella heads straight for the plastic castles, choosing the biggest castle and scooping up a tub of extra glitter for extra sparkle in her tank. Ella scoffs at Ava’s plain tank with seaweed, believing that Ava’s fish will be bored. However, as the days pass, Ella begins to notice that her fish is waning while Ava’s is thriving. When Ella’s fish eventually perishes, Ava offers to let Ella help her take care of her fish, especially since it just had babies. Together, the girl’s reflect that the glittery plastic wasn’t healthy for the fish, and that the best environment for animals is a natural one. This read is perfect for teaching responsibility to littles getting a pet for the first time. Encourage them to research what best living environment would help their pet thrive. Readers also will appreciate the empathy Ava shows for her sister when her fish passes away. Furthermore, this read is an excellent conversation starter to discuss the harmful effects that plastic pollution in the oceans causes marine creatures.

Books About Gender Equality and Mental Health

• 

• 

Tom’s Tears by Teigan Margetts

Children’s books are a great tool to help children navigate and express their emotions. Seeing their own experiences and feelings mirrored on the pages helps them connect to the characters and consider how the characters’ resolve their problems. “Tom’s Tears” focuses on breaking the gender stereotype that boys should not cry. In the story, Tom’s dad tells him not to cry because it makes him look weak. Due to this, Tom claims to have “lost his tears.” He shares how his older brother “lost his tears” and became angry and temperamental instead. Tom’s friend, Oliver, worries for his friend and encourages him to “find” his tears again. Together, the two friends learn the importance of expressing your emotions and validating your feelings. For any little one who feels the pressure to put up a strong front and never cry, this read will encourage them to process their feelings and reject the stereotype that crying shows weakness.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Check out Ethicoolbooks.com for even more empowering reading adventures! Comment below with any favorites, or other self-published/indie publishing companies/authors/illustrators to look out for! 

*Check here for more info on the authors and illustrators featured in this post*

*~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 MaiStoryBook’s collection of Earth Day/ Nature Themed interactive read alouds  here.*

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*