We Are Joy

Chrystal D. Giles ∙ Illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Hardcover

Published on Jun 2, 2026 | 32 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Jun 2, 2026 | 32 Pages

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Grades Preschool – 3
Ages 4–8

The #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Stacey’s Extraordinary Words and the critically acclaimed author of Take Back the Block join together to create this heartwarming, empowering celebration of Black joy!

We are joy—showing off our moves and tick-tocking to the drumbeats
of our created culture—the culture that moves the world.

We are joy—full surrounded by laughter, and light
and love, and love, and love.

Shining with lyrical prose and gorgeously vibrant art, this delightful picture book read-together is an inspiring celebration of the beauty and strength of Black culture, Black community, and Black family. It’s an empowering affirmation that joy—especially black joy, is all around us—in the people we love, in our commmunities, and in our hearts.

★ "A colorful celebration of Black childhood joy....Persistently lovely and hopeful, a potent mirror." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "This uplifting tribute to ancestry, advocacy, and aspiration aptly meditates on the sustaining power of joy." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "In Giles’s debut picture book, readers ride a lyrical wave of sights and sounds that celebrate growing up as a Black child in a space that reflects beauty, resilience, and connection...A notable addition to children’s literature that affirms joy as enduring, communal, and rooted in culture and identity." —School Library Journal, starred review

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ISBN 9780593647738 (Hardcover)
Published on Jun 2, 2026
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 9 x 10
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3

ISBN 9780593647745 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jun 2, 2026
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 9 x 10
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3

ISBN 9780593647752 (Ebook)
Published on Jun 2, 2026
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3

Chrystal D. Giles

Chrystal D. Giles is a champion for diversity in children’s literature. She is also the author of Take Back the Block and Not An Easy Win, which have received multiple starred reviews and made multiple year end and state award lists. Chrystal lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and son and is currently working on her next middle-grade novel.