Capturing the joy of the little things
A new children’s book encouraging people to take notice of the small joys in life has also fulfilled the dreams of its author.
Palmerston North early childcare teacher Joy Smith has published Make Awish, which is about believing in magic and the beauty of the small things in the world.
The book was illustrated by Heneriata Te Whata and the pictures were of Manawatu¯ scenery, including the Esplanade and the wind turbines on the ranges.
Smith, who works at Beststart Russell St, said the theme of the book was founded on ‘‘fairies’’, otherwise known as the wispy thistle seeds commonly floating in the air.
‘‘It’s really about keeping that innocence ofwishing for magic and the awe of the little things in the world.
‘‘There’s somany things in the world and people forget how to use their imagination and believe.’’
Writing a book had long been a dream of Smith’s, but life took over and she became busy with other things. But finally she started writing and found an illustrator. ‘‘Dreams are obtainable. The people I’ve shown [the book], and I’ve shown so many people, have come forward and said ‘I used to have a dream to do something like that’.
‘‘I thought it was not possible. I thought it was something the bigwigs did. I have shown them it is possible and you can accomplish something.’’
Being a teacher Smith gets to see children appreciating the little things, but adults don’t do it often enough. ‘‘When was the last time you stopped to look at a bug? There’s small magic in the world that just gets walked past when you’re older.’’
Make awish costs $20 and people can email Smith to buy a copy at joyful1@windowslive. com.
The book was published by Ampublishing New Zealand and printed by the Printery atmassey University.