Media Mix

The Gift Shop Bear

This is the debut picture book from Kansas City writer and illustrator Phyllis Harris.

The book was inspired by Harris’s granddaughter, who found her mother’s childhood bear packed away in a box. The little girl was saddened to think of Bear being alone in a box, and from this, The Gift Shop Bear was born.

“Nestled on the edge of town sat a little gift shop,” the book begins. “Inside the shop, in a dusty attic, in a cozy box . . . a little bear listened to the frosty wind whistling outside the window.”

Bear waits all year for Christmas to return so he can see Annie again and sit under the twinkling tree in the shop window.

But this year something’s different. This year Nana is retiring, and the shop is closing. What will happen to Bear?

This is a sweet tale about a bear and his girl, filled with brightly colored, detailed illustrations. I’m HappySad Today: Making Sense of Mixed-Together Feelings

Written by Lory Britain, PhD. Illustrated by award-winning illustrator Matthew Rivera.

At times it’s hard for children to recognize their feelings and verbalize them to an adult. That’s where I’m Happy-Sad Today can help.

“I had big feelings when my baby brother was born. I was proud to be a big sister. And I was jealous of all the attention he was getting. I had proud and jealous feelings inside of me. That was confusing.”

With many such examples, the book continues validating all the different emotions, even if they happen simultaneously, and gives children actionable activities to do when this occurs. One example is to create a new adjective to describe feeling both sad and mad concurrently: smad!

End pages explain how to read the book with kids, and they provide strategies for supporting children’s social and emotional development. If I Built a School

Written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Our narrator, Jack, begins, “If I built a school, the first thing you’d meet are lots of puppies! They’d flock to your feet! But why stop at puppies? Why not a whole zoo? So I’d add a bunch of big animals too!”

We continue our journey through Jack’s futuristic school, visiting the lunchroom, classroom, library and gym—and then the playground!

“It’s now time for recess. Let’s head out the door. My playground is awesome! So much to explore! Fly on the zip line way up in the sky. Or slide down the twisty slide three stories high. And after all that, if you’re hot and you’re beat, then you can go tubing. Now that would be sweet!”

A fun book, loaded with detailed drawings and lots of inventiveness.

I frequently see dogs in locked cars in parking lots when their owners are running errands. Is it illegal to leave your dog in a parked car without supervision? If it is hot outside and a dog is locked in a parked car, what can I do?

– Martha Goodwin

It depends on the state. Thirty-one states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal confined in a vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity for people who are trying to rescue animals from vehicles if they are in distress. In most states, it is recommended to check if the car door is locked if the animal appears to be in distress. If the door is locked and an owner cannot be found, call 911 or local law enforcement before trying to enter the vehicle. I recommend researching your state’s laws to determine the best course of action in these situations.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Giving a dog human food does not create begging behaviors. However, giving a dog human food at the kitchen table when they are staring or trying to get your attention creates begging behaviors. The best way to ensure your pet does not beg for food is to not allow them to eat near you while you are eating. You can teach them the “Place” command during mealtimes to keep them away from the dinner table. If you do give your pets human food, please check that the food is safe for your pets and always give special foods in moderation to keep them safe and healthy.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

FEATURED PET FEATURED PET Bismarck

Why does my cat chew on grass and household plants? Should I be concerned?

– Delia Guerrero

My partner and I are debating what types of food a dog can and cannot have. Does giving a dog human food cause begging? Is it safe to give dogs human food?

– Don Huff

Most veterinarians believe that cats eat grass and plants to help with gastrointestinal issues or to rid themselves of parasites. Another reason they may do this is because it is fun enrichment and they just enjoy munching on them. There are grasses you can grow in your home for your cat to chew on such as wheat grass and catnip that are safe for them. Please make sure your cat is not chewing on plants that might be toxic or chemically treated. If they seem to be overeating grass or plants, I recommend visiting your veterinarian.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Bismarck is a three-year-old retriever mix with a heart of gold and an aptitude for cuddling. He adores playing fetch and is an excellent car rider. His smile will brighten your life every day! He quickly won the hearts of our staff and volunteers for his happy-go-lucky, sweet nature. He is looking for a home without small animals and must meet any dogs in the home prior to being adopted. Bismarck is a well-behaved, sweet boy who is ready to take on life as your loving sidekick!

roundup.app/p/gpspca Make a Difference for Shelter Pets Just by Donating Your Change.

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine. Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 4,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.