Pittsburgh native Dana Lynn Mauro, author of Go Green and Giggle with Sunflower Suzi, a children’s book featuring the antics of the Gigglin’ Garden Gang, donated a number of her books to Watson’s LEAP Preschool Library.  This educational book features over a dozen characters that giggle in their garden and has a special surprise ending.  Mauro wanted her book and cultural arts program to be fun and uniquely interactive, and felt strongly about relating to all kids.  She realized early on that these quirky characters were special, but witnessing the impact they had with kids, particularly children on the autism spectrum, has been particularly rewarding.

In addition, Ms. Mauro partnered with a friend, local artist Michelle Goyak, to design and paint a mural of the Gigglin’ Garden Gang at Watson’s LEAP Preschool.  Michelle’s murals use the can you find.. hidden pictures theme and she incorporated the theme with the book characters.  Now, as students read the Go Green and Giggle book, they can have an interactive experience with Sunflower Suzi and her gang.

Go Green and Giggle books are available at Joseph-Beth’s booksellers www.josephbeth.com and Meders Home & Garden Showplace in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh, PA.

Michelle Goyak’s work can be found on her myspace site at:  www.myspace.com/artisticcreationsbymg.