Mooshu Worries
The manuscript for Mooshu Worries is 371 words.
This story speaks to young children ages 3 - 8 with a close family member who is very ill. Looking at the world 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.
Illustrations portray the family as racially ambiguous and the child as gender-neutral, to be widely read, accessible and appreciated. Hospitals, doctors and counselors' offices, school libraries and children's homes await this needed addition.
Another related book, Delivery! (503 words) is waiting to be published. It begins with Jackie and Mooshu missing the awesome smells coming from the kitchen. They help connect with friends and family who find a way to provide help, comfort and nourishment to the whole family-- and the good food and smells return.
REVIEWS
What People Say About Mooshu Worries:
• “This book and the illustrations are amazing! Worries are often huge for children whether or not someone they love is ill, and this book will be a comfort and provide them with encouragement. You captured Mooshu's (and the humans’) emotions perfectly on their faces. I would make a session out of this book with my group - we often do worry wall activity and this would be a nice segue into the activity. In the June day program kids are making worry dolls. All of our kids have worries they talk about and some they don’t talk about. Your book will generate many good discussions with kids.”
Lois Gretzinger, School Psychologist and Facilitator, Children’s Bereavement Support Program, Abington, PA
• “I watched what my children went through when I battled cancer (they were 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 20). I also watched what my grandchildren (ages 5, 8 and 11) went through when my daughter battled cancer last year. Congratulations on your book; I am sure (the book) will be a valuable tool in helping children get through an extremely difficult situation.”
Susan Mann Hirsch, Jerusalem, Israel
• “This is such an important way to tell children that their feelings are normal. And who doesn't love a beagle, named Mooshu no less!”
Iris Selig, Damariscotta, Maine
• “I approached Yona for an interview because this is the book I wish my child had when I was diagnosed with a blood cancer. Most adults struggle to get their heads around a cancer diagnosis, so you can imagine how hard it is for children.”
(from www.iamemilysun.com/mooshuworries/)
Emily Sun, writer, Australia
• “I love your book. Mazel Tov. I believe many children and their families will be greatly helped by it. And, this is an "expert opinion" from a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has treated children and families in these circumstances.”
Dr. Sam C. Gould, Los Angeles, California
• "Someone loaned me your book, Mooshu Worries, and I wanted you to know how powerful it has been in our lives. My sister seems to be in a perpetual state of worry and anxiety. She often communicates through characters and scripts from movies, books, cartoons and stuffed animals, and other people/animals' experiences. We have been able to use your book to encourage communication about fear and worry of the unexpected, unknown and the future. Thank you so very much for your invaluable contribution to our lives."
A Reader, Philadelphia, PA