“Meet the Artists” Morning at the Little Shop

Come meet two of GJC’s children’s book authors, Yona Diamond Dansky & Susan Weiss

Yona Diamond Dansky is a long time GJC member and lifelong educator in inner-city and suburban districts in the Philadelphia area.  Mooshu Worries is her first children’s book, and she is both author and illustrator.  Almost every family has been touched in some way by illness and can relate to this story, inspired by her three-year-old grandson’s journey through his mom’s — Yona’s daughter’s –diagnosis and successful cancer treatment. Mooshu Worries is for children ages 3 – 8 with a family member who is ill. Looking at the household chaos as seen through a beloved pet dog’s eyes provides comfort and understanding of what is happening all around and inside, without being too close and painful. There are elements of compassion, and Mooshu even has a dog friend who is sharing a similar experience.

Susan Weiss is long time GJC member, a retired psychiatric nurse and psychopharmacology researcher. Although published in her professional field, this is her first published children’s book. Susan is an accomplished home chef and loves to bake challah with her twin granddaughters, Ever and Simone. They were the inspiration for this story. Becky’s hair is the messiest. New illustrated children’s book, Becky’s Braids, will make you smile. After grandmother teaches Becky to braid and bake challahs, the family is in for a surprise. Recipe to make Becky’s Challah included. Written by Susan Weiss and Illustrated by Deborah Gross-Zuchman.