This informative picture book, written by registered nurse Marla Lesage, is a well-timed response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic protocols. By showcasing a surprising number of different professions where people need to wear masks in order to do their jobs properly and safely, the book normalizes mask wearing for young people. As a teaching resource, it provides the perfect segue into class discussions about how wearing masks can be considered an “act of kindness” and a way to show that we care about others. The rhyming text neatly summarizes each two-page spread example, featuring artists, ranchers, scuba divers, scientists, welders, superheroes, and people in other vocations all wearing different styles of masks. The author’s watercolour, ink, and pencil drawings are simple but provide accessible inspiration for students to respond by drawing their own depictions of people they have seen who wear masks.

32 pp., 9 × 9", colour illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Marla Lesage est une infirmière qui aime raconter des histoires, vraies ou imaginées, en dessinant, en peignant, en illustrant et en décrivant des scènes de la vie urbaine. Ses oeuvres figurent dans des collections privées au Canada, aux États-Unis et en Australie, et son premier livre illustré, Pirate Year Round, est paru en 2019. Elle a eu l’idée d’écrire À chacun son masque en visitant une ferme pédagogique. Ses enfants, masqués, ont alors découvert que les masques ont un superpouvoir : bloquer les odeurs nauséabondes ! Marla habite près de Fredericton, au Nouveau-Brunswick.

Marla Lesage's profile page

• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Winner, The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (NB) Book Awards - The Alice Kitts Memorial Award for Excellence in Picture Book Writing

“Calm and helpful words to encourage us to look at those who wear masks for a variety of reasons. Double-page spreads effectively create scenarios, often familiar to the children who will be reading or sharing this book.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“Will be a useful addition to your collection of teaching resources…Charming.”

Canadian Teacher Magazine

“A timely book. The engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations representing diverse community members, show readers different reasons masks are worn.”

Toronto Star

“A book for the moment in which we find ourselves, and it offers a ready avenue for opening discussions with our children about what is occurring in the world around them. Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials