How Jackson Found His Joy Again - by Patrice Karst (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A boy struggling with sadness learns a new way to experience joy and gratitude again by focusing on colors in the world around him"--

Book Synopsis

From the author of the bestselling phenomenon The Invisible String comes a transformative picture book to help readers of all ages move through sadness and embrace life's colors.

Jackson has always been chock-full of joy and vibrant colors. But now his joy has dimmed and his colors are fading. It happens so slowly at first that Jackson barely seems to notice. But without all his colors, he feels gray and empty inside. Until one day when someone offers a few words of advice that changes everything: Each day, look for one color you see outside, and think about how it makes you feel.

Patrice Karst, author of the modern classic The Invisible String, shows readers how step by step, color by color, joy can return--and shine even more brightly than before--if we pay close attention to the world around us. Additional notes from Dr. Dana Wyss, PhD provide further guidance toward a path to recovery.

Review Quotes

"This is a poignant allegory for the gradual nature of managing depression, and is especially appreciated for its emphasis on seeking mental health support and providing actionable advice for young readers."--Bookstr

"Emotionally aware prose.... An author's note and therapist afterword conclude."--Publishers Weekly

"This book may serve as a helpful tool for teachers, counselors, and therapists supporting children in the throes of grief or sadness."--School Library Journal

"Bursts of color and gentle messages combine for a message of hope and healing. Backmatter includes an author's note and an afterword from a family therapist with helpful explanations and additional suggestions."

--Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Invisible String:

Over 1.5 MILLION copies sold!
A USA Today Bestseller
An Amazon Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller

"A wonderful storybook for children experiencing separation anxiety." --Today's Parent

"It's the most beautiful, beautiful book, and it actually makes me cry every time." --Sara Haines, ABC's The View

"Unravel some of the complexities of grief for young children with this bestselling book." --CNN Underscored

"Delivers a particularly compelling message in today's uncertain times that though we may be separated from the ones we care for, love is the unending connection that binds us all." --The American Academy of Pediatrics

"A wonderful way of describing that while someone dies, love never dies." --The Washington Post

"This book is a beautiful way to begin to try, as parents, to instill in children the impenetrable power of the heart, the energy of love, and the flow that can be felt from the grace in every moment." --Tony Robbins

About the Author

Patrice Karst is the author of the bestselling, contemporary classic The Invisible String, which has sold over 2 million copies and been translated into twenty languages. Patrice has also written The Invisible String Family Celebration: A Reimagining of The Invisible String;The Invisible String Backpack, The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet, The Invisible Web: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love and Our Universal Connection, You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby, The Invisible String Workbook: Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm and Connect, a therapeutic activity book co-written with Dana Wyss, Ph.D. She has also written How Jackson Found his Joy Again, Ruby and Lonely, The Smile that Went Around the World, and God Made Easy, a universal spiritual guide to God for adults. Patrice has been on a lifelong mission to spread the message that love transcends time and space and is the most powerful force in the universe. Born in London, England, she now lives in Santa Barbara where she is working on her memoir and is the mother of one grown son, Elijah. She invites you to learn more at www.patricekarst.com.

Kristina Jones is an illustrator who has worked as a creative arts educator in both Ukraine and Eswatini. Her first book, The Amazing African Animal Alphabet, was nominated for an IBBY South Africa Picture Book Illustrator Award. She lives in British Columbia with her husband, daughter, giant dog, and three rescue cats.