Face masks can be scary for some children and at times no fun to wear, but one local artist found a way to teach kids about the health reasons behind the state-mandated face-coverings used to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
What started as a way to engage Mundelein Park and Recreation District patrons with a video is now a children’s book titled “My New Mask,” written and illustrated by district marketing manager Christa Lawrence.
“I wrote and illustrated this story to help children adapt to the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and created a video to be played on social media,” Lawrence said. “Later, I realized that we could turn these efforts into a book that would make a great resource for parents, preschools, daycare centers and more.”
In the book’s story, a young girl learns what a face mask is and how it can protect her and her family from getting sick, along with physical distancing and proper hand-washing.
“I tried to see through a child’s eyes,” Lawrence said, of the way in which each page is presented to young readers.
Proceeds from book sales will go to the Mundelein Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization that presents disadvantaged families with recreational scholarships to programs, such as swimming lessons and after-school care for children.
“We’re extremely proud of Christa for taking this on and providing a positive message to kids during this trying time,” said Ron Salski, executive director of Mundelein Parks and Recreation District.
Salski said he anticipates the need for such financial assistance might increase, as the pandemic is still affecting families in the community.
So far, the book has generated $800, Lawrence said.
In thinking about the park district’s Spanish-speaking families, Lawrence said she also wanted to add to the book a Spanish version that follows the English one.
The entire endeavor took about one week, she said, including the story’s translation, which was done by park district staff member Lety Ellsworth.
Adding that feedback has included a parent with a child who now doesn’t want to take off his face mask and another who is learning words in Spanish from the story, Lawrence said of the book, “It’s been really well-received and I’m very happy.”
“My New Mask” is available for purchase on Amazon for $2.99 as a Kindle download, and $9.99 as a paperback.
Limited copies are also being sold at the park district’s Community Center, at 1401 N. Midlothian Road.
The Mundelein author and artist has also recently published a children’s book titled, “Trouble Brewing for Thomas” which is also available on Amazon.
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She said she’ll continue using her skills to connect her community to the park district.