Swinging for Joy

by Aishah Hight, Whimsical Designs Cj (Illustrator)

Overview

After enjoying swinging in the park, London and her amazing dog Joy encounter a young boy who's lost a family treasure. Inspired to help, Joy springs into action, leading London and the boy on a delightful adventure to find it. Will they find what they're looking for and discover the legacy behind the lost treasure?

Swinging for Joy is a heartwarming reminder that an act of kindness can become the bond of friendship. Aishah Hight creates a rhythmical tale that inspires young readers to care for others, be hopeful, and in so doing, find joy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798986333205
Publisher:	Cellar of Purple
Publication date:	02/07/2023
Series:	London Learns
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Aishah was born in Queens, New York but spent her teen and adult years in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up in diverse communities influences her writing and fuels her passion for uplifting and empowering children. Aishah's children's books include themes of kindness, hope, and overcoming challenges. When she isn't writing, Aishah works as an IT project manager, watches suspense movies, and spends time with her family. Swinging for Joy is Aishah's first published children's book.

Editorial Reviews

2022-12-21
A lonely girl and her magical canine help an unhappy boy in this debut picture book.

London and her dog, Joy, love to hop on a playground’s swings. London tells Joy everything—including a secret wish. When the two hear a boy crying, they rush to help and discover that he lost a hat. Luckily, Joy is a wish-granting pooch. When the boy whispers his wish in Joy’s ear, she takes off for the hat with confidence even though she’s blind: “London and the boy were trailing, but not very far behind. / They were excited and filled with hope of what Joy’s sightless search would find.” Soon, the item—an original Tuskegee Airmen hat worn by the boy’s great-grandfather—is discovered, and both wishes are granted. London’s wish was to make a new friend. The digital illustrations from Whimsical Designs by CJ offer a vibrant feel to the enjoyable series opener, featuring a diverse playground with people of several ages, skin tones, and abilities. London’s Afro puffs, curly and tinted purple, and her hoop earrings with the word Loveinside capture the Black girl’s big personality and gregariousness. Hight’s text stretches over two-page spreads, sometimes making the rhymes hard to recognize in the long phrases. But once the rhythm is found, the scansion flows well throughout despite verb tense shifts that readers may find jarring. The nod to the Tuskegee Airmen may encourage kids to seek more information about this important part of American history.

A fun tale about finding a friend through kindness.

Kirkus Reviews