Author of Children’s Book on Diabetes to Read at MCC Library

Manchester, Conn., – (October 21, 2009)… Manchester Community College presents author and MCC professor of music Deborah Simmons as she reads and signs copies of her new book, Little Deboo and Her Big Sister Rose: Learning About Diabetes, a children’s book on diabetes awareness and education. The reading and book signing will take place on Monday, October 26 at 4 p.m. in the Library Fireside Commons, LRC.

Dr. Simmons was inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book about diabetes when she learned of a co-worker’s lack of knowledge and understanding of diabetes when her child developed Type 1 diabetes. According to her research, diabetes is rising at an alarming rate among youth and teens, and socially disadvantaged individuals with low literacy have a greater difficulty managing the disease.

Little Deboo and Her Big Sister Rose: Learning About Diabetes is a colorfully illustrated children’s book presented at a sixth-grade readability level. The characters represent diverse ethnic groups. The book is structured to introduce the disease to the reader through dialogue between two siblings and defines Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes.

The reading is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information on the reading and book signing, call 860-512-2877.