What is this book about?
This book, “Joy”, by Corrinne Averiss and Isabelle Follath, is about Fern’s search for some joy to bring back into her Nanna’s life.
“Joy” introduces joy as a feeling and helps to develop a deeper understanding of what the experience of joy is and how it feels. This book playfully develops the idea of finding joy, borrowing joy, and trying to ‘catch’ joy for yourself and for others.
“Joy” is a picture book that highlights the many different places, activities, and relationships within which joy can be found….and the ‘sharing’ of joy.
Why do I like this book?
I love everything about this book.
Visually this picture book is beautifully illustrated and captures attention and imagination.
And the content of the book is fantastic. “Joy” is a delightful book that eloquently and concisely presents a sophisticated topic - the feeling of joy – in ways that are concrete and developmentally appropriate.
The loss of joy, ‘hunting’ for joy, and sharing of joy are fantastic concepts to bring into family life. Life is not always easy or happy, and everyone will face challenges in life. This is one of the reasons it is important to find ways to talk about the ups and downs of life, and what can help with managing life’s journey – finding joy and relationships being some keys to navigating life.
How do I use the book?
This is a new book that I have found and added to my library.
I have only used this book personally so far, but here are some ideas and plans for using the book:
I recommend with books that parents (and teachers, counsellors, helping professionals etc) always read the book first and think about the message of the book and how the message fits into life in general and family life, to help plan the conversation….or if needed the multiple little steps of the conversation 😉
It’s a great idea to think about your family, and how much they can tolerate in terms of conversations that help them develop their emotional literacy. E.g., sometimes it’s helpful to ‘drip feed’ the ideas by reading the book one night at bedtime, then later that week ‘remember’ the book, then even later that week talk about a ‘joy hunt’ and maybe start collecting photos or a list of things that are joyful.
Create a photo album on Pinterest or in your smart phone of all the things you find that bring you joy, and look back on this album when you need a pick me up.
Chat over dinner or in the car on the way to school/extracurricular activities about the different things that people in the family enjoy, things that bring joy, and things that you are grateful for.
Chat about what types of activities the whole family enjoy together, to have fun and connect, as well as what brings individual family members joy.
Remember big kids need help with emotional literacy and managing life’s changes and challenges too. Picture books can be used in families whose children range in age, including teenagers.
If you would like more ideas on finding, embracing and sharing joy check out my blog “What Brings You Joy?”
I love this book and I hope you love it too.
Let me know your thoughts and how you use the book.
Dr Leonie White - Clinical Family Therapist and Psychologist
Helping people grow, connect and thrive in life’s unique journey.
Please note - this article is educational in nature and does not constitute therapy advice.
Please seek help from a professional if you require support.
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