Mia & Max and the
Smoke Brothers
A read-aloud story about two kids, a hazy sky, and looking out for each other
When something changes the air over their town, Mia and Max have questions โ and the grown-ups around them have to find honest answers. A warm, gentle story for young readers about curiosity, teamwork, and the people who keep us safe.
Written by Kason Kendall
National Board Certified Teacher ยท Founder, History Education Foundation
Mia & Max
and the
Smoke Brothers
A story for young readers
Kason Kendall
Send the real cover art and I'll swap it in.
Big ideas, told simply
The best picture books start a conversation. These are the ones this story opens.
Teamwork
Mia and Max figure things out together โ because neither of them can do it alone.
Big feelings
It's okay to feel worried when something changes. Naming a feeling is the first step.
Asking questions
Curiosity is a strength. The kids ask the grown-ups the hard questions, and that's how they learn.
Looking out for each other
Small kindnesses โ a mask, a check-in, a shared window โ add up to a community.
The world around us
An easy, age-appropriate doorway into talking about air, weather, and the natural world.
Hope
Hard days pass. The story ends on warmth โ and on what people do for one another.
How to read it with kids
Before you read
Ask: "Have you ever noticed the sky look different? What did you wonder about?"
While you read
Pause on each page and let them find Mia and Max. Ask what the characters might be feeling.
After you read
Talk about who helped in the story โ and who helps in your own neighborhood.
Make it theirs
Let them draw their own page: what would they do to help a friend on a hazy day?
Free for teachers and families
The read-aloud guide includes the questions above, a printable draw-and-write page, and a short note you can send home to families. No purchase required.
Get the guideWant the rest of the free classroom library?
Lesson plans, stories & primary sources โGet the free read-aloud guide
Talking points for every page, a printable draw-and-write activity, and a note to send home to families. Built for preschool through 3rd grade.
Want the book too? Find it on Amazon โ
Kason Kendall
Kason Kendall is a National Board Certified Teacher in Utah and the founder of the History Education Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit built to strengthen civic and media literacy.
He spends his days explaining hard things clearly โ and this book does it for the youngest readers in the room.
Questions
What ages is it for?
Is it scary for little kids?
Can I read it to a whole class?
Are there discussion questions?
Is it available in print?
Does the book have an agenda?
Read it together tonight
Grab the book, download the free read-aloud guide, and start a conversation your kids will remember.
History Education Foundation ยท Nonpartisan civic & media education