Connie Osborn has written a children’s book about Parkinson’s disease, “Jon and Nana Connie Get the Wiggles.” Connie is a resident of The Mayflower Community Health Center (Grinnell IA). According to local author, Betty Moffett, “Connie herself has advanced Parkinson’s, and that fact along with 32 years of teaching high school science, makes her an expert on the subject. The book is addressed to her grandchildren, who have asked her questions like ‘Nana, why do your hands shake?’ and ‘Why do you shuffle when you walk?’”
Connie collaborated with Karla Cornish, local artist, in the writing. Yusuf Demirci created the illustrations. Alesia Lacina, another local artist, created the visual construction of the book. Grinnell’s Total Choice has done the printing and binding. Funding and marketing support have been provided by the Community Education Council and the Grinnell Area Arts Council.
Betty Moffett goes on to say, “Jon and Nana Connie Get the Wiggles” is not grim. It IS informative, accessible, and often charming. Alesia Lacina has done wonderful illustrations, Judy Hunter and I have done some editing. We hope to put it in doctors’ offices and libraries and to offer it for sale at the Pioneer Bookshop and at Stepping Stones.” (Both are located in downtown Grinnell.)
Connie unveiled the book at an event today (May 17th) in The Mayflower Community. She will attend a book signing at Stepping Stones on Friday, June 21st, 10:00am to 12:00noon.
Pictured above are front row left to right, Karla Cornish, Connie Osborn, and Rick Osborn (son). Back row left to right are Judy Hunter, Betty Moffett, and Alesia Lacina.
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director
