Joy by Corrinne Averiss illustrated by Isabelle Follath

Joy isn’t in our possessions in the same way that it isn’t something that can be physically possessed. Instead, happiness is about ‘giving’ behaviour – about giving of ourselves to others, and by that making them and us feel good. Fern’s time with Nanna gives the greatest joy to them both. Minerva Reads

Joy is a pure joy to read. Grab a copy of Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. Read about Wilfrid looking for lost memories.

Now pick up Joy. Fern loves her Nanna. She loves her cakes, her home, her cat and her smile but something has gone wrong. Nanna has stopped smiling and all the beautiful colours in her home have turned grey.

"What's wrong with Nanna?' Fern asked her mum.
'I don't know,' Mum replied. 'It's like the joy has gone out of her life.'
'What's joy? asked Fern.
'Joy is what makes your heart happy and your eyes twinkle."

So Fern goes hunting for joy just as Wilfrid went hunting for memories in the famous book by Mem Fox. Joy takes a tin, a box, a saucepan, a paper bag, and a fishing net so she can carry all the joy she hopes to collect. At the park she finds plenty of joy but catching it seems impossible. The swirling colours on each page are especially beautiful.

Joy heads back to Nanna feeling so sad. She explains all the joy she found and the impossible task of collecting it. But Nanna has some quiet wisdom for Fern:

"You don't need a tin or a box or a net to bring me joy,' Nanna said.
'You bring me all the joy in the world just by being you."

The final double spread is sure to make you smile with joy!

Emotional, funny and uplifting, this beautiful picture book has a strong message about empathy and maintaining loving relationships with our grandparents. Guaranteed to bring a bit of joy into every reader’s life, this story is a pure delight. ReaditDaddy

Each week I visit some lovely ladies in an aged care facility. One of these ladies is called Joy. I would so love to put this book into her hands and into the hands of her grandchildren - this is a book to treasure and to share. To me, and reviewers like Minerva Reads, this is a book about emotions not depression. It shows how a simple act of kindness can lift your mood.

I am now very keen to explore other books by Corrinne Averiss.  Take time to explore the work of Isabelle Follath it is truly special. Here is an interview about her process.