The Moon Balloon: A Journey of Hope and Discovery for Children and Families

by Joan Drescher

"The Moon Balloon", a journey of hope and discovery for children and families is a colorfully illustrated picture book and interactive journal with a delightful story about seven hot-air balloons. It has a forward by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D. This book provides a safe, supportive outlet to help you and your children cope with the problems of everyday living as well as life changing experiences. Playful hot-air balloons, representing various emotions, offer vehicles whereby children can write and draw feelings which can otherwise be difficult to speak about. Sharing these symbols can improve self-image, trust, and creativity. This book is for children, parents, teachers,health care professionals and all those concerned with bringing emotional healing to children. "This delightful book will help children express their feelings honestly and openly." ...Bernie Siegel, M.D.

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

"My life’s work as an artist has been to bring beauty into dark places, and to explore how art helps heal mind, body and spirit. I experience daily how color and images arouse the senses, opening us to a place deeper than words.

Seeing the need to humanize healthcare environments led me to take a leap into creating large murals for children’s hospitals. As Artist in Residence at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children for 13 years, I experienced daily how color and images can help patients to communicate. I noticed that children often had no way to express their feelings, so I created The Moon Balloon, A Journey of Hope and Discovery for Children and Families, an interactive book that uses art to open the door to conversation.

Currently, I am moving back into fine arts, exploring my long-time love of printmaking and collage. Fascinated with the process of tearing patterned and hand-colored paper, I let collage speak to me. I am drawn to using texture combined with inspired color to create monotype prints. My interaction with the materials, and the senses they awaken, are like a conversation that leads to creating the final image.

For me, creating art invokes magic, both in the creator and in those who receive it. The synergy between artist and viewer can make the invisible visible.

My art can be seen in galleries, local art centers and at my studio.

To inquire about commissions or
to purchase original art or archival prints, email Joan Drescher at
moonballoon@gmail.com"

~From www.joandrescher.com