New book for kids benefits parents and Mundelein Parks Foundation

A new book that helps parents teach their children about why they need to wear a face mask and acknowledges how life is different during the COVID-19 pandemic is also helping the Mundelein Parks Foundation. "My New Mask," written and illustrated by Mundelein Park & Recreation District's Marketing Manager Christa Lawrence, is about a child learning what a face covering is, who needs to wear one, when it is necessary to wear one and why.

The story is told in both English and Spanish (translated by park district staff member Lety Ellsworth). It is available for purchase on Amazon at amzn.to/3d4lqp9 for $2.99 as a Kindle download or $10 as a paperback. Proceeds from the book go to the Mundelein Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to strengthen community and family ties with a self-generating funding source to finance recreational scholarships to the disadvantaged of the Mundelein community. Visit mundeleinparks.org/about-mprd/mundelein-parks-foundation.

"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, day care centers and more.

"We usually fundraise for the foundation through special events at the park district," Lawrence said, "but had to cancel many of these this year due to the pandemic. With the proceeds of the book benefiting the foundation, it's a win for those that purchase the book and for the foundation."

In addition to purchasing on Amazon, limited copies of the book will be available for purchase at the Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian. Community center hours are now 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.