Joy
What’s inside...
From an award-winning author and illustrator pairing comes a delightfully upbeat and irresistibly energetic read-aloud picture book, perfect for sharing with very young children. The story follows a bouncy little kitten as she plays and accidentally falls, but with a loving hug, kiss, and squeeze from a parent, she feels comforted and reassured. This book is a joyful celebration of the love between parent and child, expressed through playful text and vibrant illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What made the character feel joyful in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the character?
How do you think the story would change if the character didn't find joy?
What are some ways you can spread joy to others?
Why is it important to have moments of joy in our lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in your child's responses to encourage open conversation.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to imagine different endings or scenarios in the story.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child's thoughts and feelings about the book's themes.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Joy in Everyday Moments
Explanation: The book portrays the main character experiencing joy in simple activities like playing with a pet or enjoying nature, highlighting that happiness can be found in the smallest things.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and find happiness in their daily routines, whether it's during playtime or while interacting with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings Openly
Explanation: The character in the book shows joy openly through laughter and cheerful activities, teaching that it’s healthy to express positive emotions freely.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to openly express their own feelings of happiness and excitement, fostering emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Sharing Happiness
Explanation: In the story, the joy experienced by the main character becomes contagious, spreading to others around them. This illustrates the impact of shared happiness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of sharing their joy with peers and family, enhancing social bonds and collective well-being.
Example Lesson: Finding Joy in Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights various activities and characters, each finding joy in different ways, teaching that happiness is unique to each individual.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diverse sources of joy in others, promoting inclusivity and understanding.