• Old to Joy
  • Old to Joy
  • Old to Joy
  • Old to Joy

Old to Joy

Written & Illustrated by Anita Crawford Clark

Joy's Grandmama lives in an old house, on an old street, with old trees and all kinds of old things. And Joy already knows . . . there's no fun in that!

When young Joy goes to spend the day with Grandmama, she struggles to find beauty in all the old things at Grandmama's house. None of it looks or smells quite the same as it does at home. But as the day passes, Grandmama patiently helps Joy discover how the old ways can bring joy to any heart. Whether it's the swaying of stately trees, bubbles dancing in a sink filled with dishes, the sweet scents of a lovingly tended garden, or the memories found in a room packed with hats - if Joy open's her heart and mind, there is beauty to be found everywhere at Grandmama's house.

Gorgeous, richly detailed illustrations capture the movement of Joy's feelings of boredom and doubt to awe and appreciation for her Grandmama's attitude and way of life. Debut author-illustrator Anita Crawford Clark celebrates her African American lived experience and family heritage in this intergenerational story that is certain to encourage a healthy-aging mindset among readers of all ages and add a spark of joy to any home, classroom, or library setting. A perfect gift for grandparents and grandchildren alike!

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September 5, 2023

Key Concepts

Healthy aging perspectives, intergenerational relationships, and African American experience and heritage.

Additional Details

  • 10 x 10 inches
  • 32 Pages
  • Ages 4 to 8
  • Trade ISBN: 9781957655062
  • Ebook ISBN: 9781957655130

    • Where To Buy

      We're proud to partner with Baker & Taylor Publishing Services for the distribution of Old to Joy.

    • Educator Resources

      Get the learning guide for Old to Joy by Anita Crawford Clark. Free to you, no purchase required!

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    Reader Reviews

    • ★★★★★

      For shelves about grandparents, family, or on aging, this book takes on the joy of growing old for all ages.


      ~ School Library Journal (Aug. 2023)