Media Mix

Imagine a WOLF, What Do You See?

Written and illustrated by Lucky Platt

“Close your eyes and imagine a wolf. Do you have a picture of a wolf in your mind? OK, you can open your eyes. Am I what you imagined? SIGH ... I didn’t think so,” begins one wolf’s sad story.

This wolf doesn’t look or behave like other wolves. She wears an apron with open-toed espadrilles and likes to knit. Not exactly the image of a wolf portrayed to children in other books. Like wolves who show their big, bad teeth all pointy and glistening white, which are all the better to eat children with!

Therein lies the beautiful message behind this debut picture book. Things aren’t always as they seem, and even though we may have preconceived expectations of someone, it’s always better to look past the surface and keep an open mind. Speak Up

Written by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

This important picture book encourages children to use their voice in many different situations during a typical school day. Situations like correcting a teacher who mispronounces their name, squelching a hurtful rumor or speaking up when noticing someone is lonely. These examples empower children to stand up and make a difference using their voice, a sign or a smile.

The Author’s Note in the back of the book tells the story of real kids who spoke up. Malala Yousafzai’s story is told, as is Thurgood Marshall’s. The author also shares a list of ways children can speak up and examples of when it is an appropriate time to speak up (someone may get hurt) and when it is not appropriate (the situation is harmless).

The illustrations are vibrant and celebrate diversity.

An important conversation starter for talking with children about their “voice.” And Then Comes Summer

Written by Tom Brenner, illustrated by Jaime Kim

“When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and leaves and grasses sparkle with dew, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-Jump-Ups jump up … Then throw on flip-flops and breathe the sweet air,” begins the melodic tribute to childhood’s favorite season.

School is out, and cubbies have been swept clean of cookie crumbs and eraser bits. Extra daylight pushes bedtime back, and children play hideand-seek until dark! It’s time to enjoy all the trappings summer has to offer.

From lemonade stands and ice cream trucks to Fourth of July bicycle parades and trips to the lake, sweet summer traditions are highlighted and celebrated.

Jaime Kim’s illustrations are colorful and fun and will leave readers pining for the lazy, warm days of summer.

Other books by Tom Brenner include And Then Comes Halloween and And Then Comes Christmas.

Sandy Foster lives in Grain Valley and is a Bookstagrammer (@picturebookapotamus), freelance writer and mother of two. You can find children’s book reviews and resources at HappyBeingMom.com.

WHAT IS OZONE POLLUTION?

Even though you can’t always see it, ozone pollution can still make the air in Greater Kansas City unhealthy to breathe. There are two types of ozone. The ozone layer high above the earth protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The second type of ozone — ground-level ozone — can be harmful to your health. Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from sources including cars or lawn and garden equipment react in heat and sunlight.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?

Ozone pollution can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing even in healthy adults. Seniors, children, and people with asthma or COPD may be especially sensitive to ozone pollution.

HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR KIDS HEALTHY THIS SUMMER?

• Follow the SkyCast at AirQKC.org for the daily ozone pollution forecast.

• When elevated pollution levels are predicted, limit the time children spend outdoors. • Tell your child’s caregivers about the SkyCast and the health risks of air pollution.

• Help keep our air clean. Walk, bike, carpool or ride the bus to reduce emissions.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER STEPS TO REDUCE OZONE POLLUTION?

• Carpooling is a great way to save money, keep the air clean and keep miles off your car. Talk to friends or coworkers and visit RideShareKC.org to find a carpool partner.

• Postpone refueling your vehicle. Refueling vehicles can release harmful fumes into the air. If you must fill up, do so after 7 p.m. and stop when the pump clicks. Overfilling the tank releases more harmful gases into the air and can damage your car. • Consider mowing after 7 p.m. Lawn and garden equipment — including mowers — lacks efficient emissions controls resulting in more pollution per hour of use than most cars. Consider mowing after 7 p.m. so emissions can dissipate overnight.