Joyful, Joyful is an astounding anthology from the wonderful Black writers and illustrators we are so fortunate to have in our lives and on our bookshelves. A celebration of Black voices weaves its way through the stories in this stunning collection that brings together life, love and laughter. ‘Joyful Joyful’ gives an insight into a myriad of cultures and a lot of the stories included are centered around personal childhood experiences – from losing money going to the shops as a child, boxing matches without your parents knowing, the threat of getting detention at school, recipes handed down from generations before and so much more.
This book needs to be in every school and on every library bookshelf. So many amazing creatives have contributed their stories and illustrations to it. Joyful Joyful is a much-needed book celebrating culture, traditions and family life. You can’t help but smile when you read it. As of 16th October, it is also the Times Children’s Book of the Week! Congratulations to Dapo Adeola now confirmed as Illustrator in Residence at London Book Fair 2023.
Thank you for sharing your joy: Dapo Adeola, Patrice Lawrence, Alex Wheatle, Arantza Peña Pop, Sharna Jackson, Olu Oke, Yasmin Joseph, Denzell Dankwah, Zaïre Kreiger, Ashley Evans, Kelechi Okafor, Dorcas Magbadelo, Camryn Garrett, Charis JB, Koleka Putuma, Snalo Ngcaba, Funmbi Omotayo, Michael Kennedy, Doreen Baingana, Camilla Sucre, Jeffrey Boake, Tomekah George, Trish Cooke, Rahana Dariah, Roslaine Tella, Maame Blue, Robyn Smith, Dorothy Koomson, Awuradwoa Afful, Tracey Baptiste, Lewis James, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Kofi Ofusu, Hannah Lee, Ken Wilson-Max, Adejoké ‘Joké’ Bakare, Ojima Abalaka, Nathan Byron, Jess Nash, Malorie Blackman, Odera Igbokwe, Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini and Terrance Adegbenle.
