Over the span of a few months, the outside world has become full of masked faces. The sudden shift, caused by COVID-19, can be understandably scary for kids, especially when it hasn’t been normalized and adults might not have all the answers. 

 “Wearing a face mask is no fun, but it's the reality in today's world,” says Kaitlyn Chu, author, artist and Academy senior. 

 Chu had been quarantining at home in Orange County when her sister shared how her teacher’s son was having nightmares about a mask monster. Inspired, Kaitlyn set out to create a picture book depicting furry friends having fun while wearing masks. In just eight weeks, Kaitlyn wrote, illustrated and self-published Smiling from Ear to Ear: Wearing Masks While Having Fun! 





 “I realized how scary it must be for children to suddenly see half-hidden faces all around them. I've also seen parents struggle to get their kids to wear masks. ⁣⁣This inspired me to use art, writing and design for a greater purpose by creating a cute, colorful picture book,” says Chu. 

 Smiling from Ear to Ear is a #1 New Release, #1 Bestseller in Children’s Safety Books, and #1 Bestseller in Children’s New Experiences Books. In a few short weeks, the book has already sold over 800 copies and garnered local media attention. 





 Kaitlyn is donating 100% of the book’s proceeds to the organizations No Kid Hungry and Black Women in Visual Arts. 

 Visit lovechudesigns.com for more details.