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Joy: You Find What You Look For
Holly is having a miserable, rotten day!
She forgot her “show” for Show and Tell.
She dropped her sandwich on the floor.
She had to wait and wait and wait because Mom was the very last car in the pickup line
AND she’s soaked to the bone from the rain.
Nothing good has happened to her all day!
When Holly climbs into the backseat of the family car, she gives her mom an earful. She doesn’t even bother to acknowledge the cupcake and juice Mom has waiting for her. Holly is completely focused on all the things that are terrible or awful or boring.
Mom really doesn’t want to spend the car ride home listening to a litany of her daughter’s complaints and grievances. To lighten the mood, she convinces Holly to play a game of Count the Red Cars. But when they arrive home, Mom doesn’t ask Holly how many red cars she saw. Instead, she asks Holly how many yellow cars she spotted.
The game was never really about cars and colors. It was actually a lesson about what you choose to see, and now Holly will never look at life the same way again!
Author Gina Prosch explores how easy it can be for kids to become so fixated on problems and disappointments that they ignore or simply miss all the good, funny, and joyful things that are happening around them. A special page written specifically for parents and educators offers insights and practical tips on helping children find more joy each and every day.
Joy! You Find What You Look For is the first title in the Holly’s Choice book series. Written for young children ages 5 to 11, the series is designed to empower children to live with more joy, hope, and love.
This illustrated book is great to teach children to look for the proverbial silver lining. Going from a negative perspective to a more positive outlook on any situation takes a little training, and this book offers helpful tricks to do just that. A useful guide to learn how to look for the bright side despite adversity. -Caroline D., Reviewer
Incredibly sweet children’s book with gorgeous illustrations that really captures a young child’s determination that the world is against them when they are grumpy. I am sure many adults can also relate to this! Clever and subtle storytelling makes us realize that when we often spend so long looking for the bad things that happen that we fail to see the good, the power of gratitude is often lauded in adult psychology but it’s wonderful to see it being mentioned in children’s books. I especially appreciated the tips at the end that helps inform adults and children alike on finding the joy. -Cara McDermott, Reviewer
"Joy can be found anywhere... if you simply look for it." Holly had focused only on the negative things in her day, but her mom showed her how to change that. A good lesson for us all! The illustrations by Kyle Merriman are delightful, imaginative, clear, and colorful. Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or teacher or your public library! -Jan Tangen, Reviewer
She forgot her “show” for Show and Tell.
She dropped her sandwich on the floor.
She had to wait and wait and wait because Mom was the very last car in the pickup line
AND she’s soaked to the bone from the rain.
Nothing good has happened to her all day!
When Holly climbs into the backseat of the family car, she gives her mom an earful. She doesn’t even bother to acknowledge the cupcake and juice Mom has waiting for her. Holly is completely focused on all the things that are terrible or awful or boring.
Mom really doesn’t want to spend the car ride home listening to a litany of her daughter’s complaints and grievances. To lighten the mood, she convinces Holly to play a game of Count the Red Cars. But when they arrive home, Mom doesn’t ask Holly how many red cars she saw. Instead, she asks Holly how many yellow cars she spotted.
The game was never really about cars and colors. It was actually a lesson about what you choose to see, and now Holly will never look at life the same way again!
Author Gina Prosch explores how easy it can be for kids to become so fixated on problems and disappointments that they ignore or simply miss all the good, funny, and joyful things that are happening around them. A special page written specifically for parents and educators offers insights and practical tips on helping children find more joy each and every day.
Joy! You Find What You Look For is the first title in the Holly’s Choice book series. Written for young children ages 5 to 11, the series is designed to empower children to live with more joy, hope, and love.
This illustrated book is great to teach children to look for the proverbial silver lining. Going from a negative perspective to a more positive outlook on any situation takes a little training, and this book offers helpful tricks to do just that. A useful guide to learn how to look for the bright side despite adversity. -Caroline D., Reviewer
Incredibly sweet children’s book with gorgeous illustrations that really captures a young child’s determination that the world is against them when they are grumpy. I am sure many adults can also relate to this! Clever and subtle storytelling makes us realize that when we often spend so long looking for the bad things that happen that we fail to see the good, the power of gratitude is often lauded in adult psychology but it’s wonderful to see it being mentioned in children’s books. I especially appreciated the tips at the end that helps inform adults and children alike on finding the joy. -Cara McDermott, Reviewer
"Joy can be found anywhere... if you simply look for it." Holly had focused only on the negative things in her day, but her mom showed her how to change that. A good lesson for us all! The illustrations by Kyle Merriman are delightful, imaginative, clear, and colorful. Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or teacher or your public library! -Jan Tangen, Reviewer
- GenresPicture Books
31 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2023
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 18, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Joy! You Find What You Look For is an illustrated picture book for children about the importance on focusing more on the good things no matter how small, rather than the bad, even when it seems there's one thing bad after another some days. I loved how this book was explained in an effective but simple way that children will be able to grasp. At the end of the book is a page of further information on ways you can achieve the message set out in the book, such as practising gratitude, starting small and building up, and much more. It's so important these days more than ever to practice mindfulness with how crazy and chaotic our lives can be and I applaud this book as children too become overwhelmed and need more support with mental health and wellbeing too.
Joy! You Find What You Look For is an illustrated picture book for children about the importance on focusing more on the good things no matter how small, rather than the bad, even when it seems there's one thing bad after another some days. I loved how this book was explained in an effective but simple way that children will be able to grasp. At the end of the book is a page of further information on ways you can achieve the message set out in the book, such as practising gratitude, starting small and building up, and much more. It's so important these days more than ever to practice mindfulness with how crazy and chaotic our lives can be and I applaud this book as children too become overwhelmed and need more support with mental health and wellbeing too.
June 5, 2023
If you don't look for joy in your day, you will miss it.
Sometimes you come across a children's book that pertain to adults too. We all can learn this lesson and we encouragement to apply this lesson. Holly was having a bad day at school and her wise mother was sharing a lesson about finding what you look for. So another words, if all you see is bad, you never see any good. Seeing good changes everything.
Our children need to practice (along with the parents) the joy of finding joy in all things. After reading this with your children, you will be on your way in doing just that.
A special thank you to Boys Town Press Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Sometimes you come across a children's book that pertain to adults too. We all can learn this lesson and we encouragement to apply this lesson. Holly was having a bad day at school and her wise mother was sharing a lesson about finding what you look for. So another words, if all you see is bad, you never see any good. Seeing good changes everything.
Our children need to practice (along with the parents) the joy of finding joy in all things. After reading this with your children, you will be on your way in doing just that.
A special thank you to Boys Town Press Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 2, 2023
How many times have my boys complained about nothing going their way? How many times have I done exactly the same thing? I think everyone can recall a day where they just wanted to fall back into bed, and start the day all over again. During a particularly rough life season I participated in a church study on Anna Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. The study helped put some things into perspective for me, one aspect being I can find joy when I look for it instead of focusing on my sorrows. Joy! You Find What You Look For has a similar perspective perfect for young readers, and provides a beneficial tool for parents or caregivers to help them implement this lesson.
Holly is having a no good, very bad day; nothing is going her way, and it doesn’t seem like her luck is about to change any time soon. Holly’s mother listens patiently as her daughter shares all her frustrations and woes before offering an idea to shift her perspective. Through her mother’s kindness, love, and immense patience, Holly begins to see her day wasn’t as rotten as she originally thought.
Gina Prosch does a lovely job of sharing Holly’s story, and I particularly loved the tips for parents and educators on how to guide readers on a “daily treasure hunt for good things.” This book was an absolute delight, and I really enjoyed getting an ARC copy of this brightly colored, charmingly illustrated book. A big thanks you to Boys Town Press and Netgalley. Joy! You Find What You Look For is set for publication tomorrow, August 1, 2023.
Holly is having a no good, very bad day; nothing is going her way, and it doesn’t seem like her luck is about to change any time soon. Holly’s mother listens patiently as her daughter shares all her frustrations and woes before offering an idea to shift her perspective. Through her mother’s kindness, love, and immense patience, Holly begins to see her day wasn’t as rotten as she originally thought.
Gina Prosch does a lovely job of sharing Holly’s story, and I particularly loved the tips for parents and educators on how to guide readers on a “daily treasure hunt for good things.” This book was an absolute delight, and I really enjoyed getting an ARC copy of this brightly colored, charmingly illustrated book. A big thanks you to Boys Town Press and Netgalley. Joy! You Find What You Look For is set for publication tomorrow, August 1, 2023.
July 12, 2023
Holly's day has been going from bad to worse, in a sorry saga of soggy sandwiches and horrible hiccups. So when her mum comes to pick her up, not even the cupcake and juice that she offers is enough to lift Holly's spirits.
After listening to her litany of complaints, Holly's mother decides to try and distract her, suggesting that Holly count how many red cars she can spot on the ride home.
But when they reach, her mother asks Holly how many yellow cars she counted! And when Holly protests, saying that she was looking out for the red cars, her mother explains how you can miss other things - good things - when you are focusing on the negative.
This is a valuable lesson, and one that is not only necessary for children to learn. Quite a few adults would benefit from adopting the same attitude!
Holly's mother helps her to think about the nice things that have happened that day, illustrating how important it is for each of us to shift our mood when we get stuck in a groove of negative thinking.
The illustrations are nicely done, and the cute pictures do an excellent job of reinforcing a very important message. It's a great book to share with young children in order to teach them how to manage their emotions.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
After listening to her litany of complaints, Holly's mother decides to try and distract her, suggesting that Holly count how many red cars she can spot on the ride home.
But when they reach, her mother asks Holly how many yellow cars she counted! And when Holly protests, saying that she was looking out for the red cars, her mother explains how you can miss other things - good things - when you are focusing on the negative.
This is a valuable lesson, and one that is not only necessary for children to learn. Quite a few adults would benefit from adopting the same attitude!
Holly's mother helps her to think about the nice things that have happened that day, illustrating how important it is for each of us to shift our mood when we get stuck in a groove of negative thinking.
The illustrations are nicely done, and the cute pictures do an excellent job of reinforcing a very important message. It's a great book to share with young children in order to teach them how to manage their emotions.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 23, 2023
Thank you so much to Boys Town Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Holly is having a bad day and things just keep getting worse and worse. When her mom asks her what good thing happened that day she can’t find anything good as the her anger in her mind is too strong. But eventually thanks to her mom she finds a new way of thinking.
This was really sweet, she got so wrapped up that everything was going wrong and just getting worse but eventually she understood her moms game and found the brighter parts of her day too she just couldn’t see them as the bad was taking over.
I really loved the way her mom handled it and gave her a great new perspective, she understood that she was struggling to find the good, that things built up and felt really bad, but she knew how to cheer her up, how to get her to see that though things are bad there will be something good that happened that day, she just had to look for it. It was so sweet.
A really beautifully illustrated book that had a great guide to helping children find the good things in life even on the worst of days. It’s an easy, enjoyable and fun read that I do recommend it’s so sweetly written and was adorable.
Holly is having a bad day and things just keep getting worse and worse. When her mom asks her what good thing happened that day she can’t find anything good as the her anger in her mind is too strong. But eventually thanks to her mom she finds a new way of thinking.
This was really sweet, she got so wrapped up that everything was going wrong and just getting worse but eventually she understood her moms game and found the brighter parts of her day too she just couldn’t see them as the bad was taking over.
I really loved the way her mom handled it and gave her a great new perspective, she understood that she was struggling to find the good, that things built up and felt really bad, but she knew how to cheer her up, how to get her to see that though things are bad there will be something good that happened that day, she just had to look for it. It was so sweet.
A really beautifully illustrated book that had a great guide to helping children find the good things in life even on the worst of days. It’s an easy, enjoyable and fun read that I do recommend it’s so sweetly written and was adorable.
August 9, 2023
This was cute and heartwarming yet had an important message to convey to readers.
Holly is having a bad day and to make it worse it is raining too. Her mom tries to cheer her up but Holly could not stop thinking about all the bad things that happened today to spoil her mood. So her mom tries a trick and it makes Holly understand that bad things are only bad if you think about them a lot.
The illustrations are vibrant and adorable. I couldn't stop myself from staring and admiring the lively graphics. The book is supposed to be for age 5-11 according to description but I feel adults can read it and learn an important lesson from it in the simplest way possible.
In our stressful life, it is very important to look for happiness in the small things that happen around us and that's what this book teaches us.
I can't wait my kid to grow up so that I can read this along with her and teach her something graceful about life which will help her be happy in the long run.
Thank you Netgalley, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Boys Town Press Publishing for providing ARC in exchange of an honest review.
#JoyYouFindWhatYouLookFor #NetGalley.
Holly is having a bad day and to make it worse it is raining too. Her mom tries to cheer her up but Holly could not stop thinking about all the bad things that happened today to spoil her mood. So her mom tries a trick and it makes Holly understand that bad things are only bad if you think about them a lot.
The illustrations are vibrant and adorable. I couldn't stop myself from staring and admiring the lively graphics. The book is supposed to be for age 5-11 according to description but I feel adults can read it and learn an important lesson from it in the simplest way possible.
In our stressful life, it is very important to look for happiness in the small things that happen around us and that's what this book teaches us.
I can't wait my kid to grow up so that I can read this along with her and teach her something graceful about life which will help her be happy in the long run.
Thank you Netgalley, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Boys Town Press Publishing for providing ARC in exchange of an honest review.
#JoyYouFindWhatYouLookFor #NetGalley.
June 3, 2023
Holly was having a really bad day. She told Mom all about it when she picked Holly up from school. Mom knew Holly needed a way to turn this day around. Mom told her to look for red cars. When they got home Mom asked how many yellow cars did she see. Holly told her you told me to count red ones there weren't any yellow ones. Yes they were. Mom then explains some times we focus so much on one thing, like negative things that happen, that we don't see the other things, good things that happen. She then asked Holly to tell her some good things that happened that day. She was able to tell her several things. Every time Holly tried to have a negative reaction to something she told her she was counting red cars again. This is a very good lesson for everyone to learn. Look for those yellow cars instead of the red. Doesn't make the red cars not happen just we don't dwell on them.
June 14, 2023
Joy! You Find What You Look For by Gina Prosch is a story about a little girl named Holly who’s having a bad day. Her mom persuaded her to count red card on the way home from school. When they get home mom asked Holly how many yellow cars she saw, confusing Holly. They get into a disagreement about how many yellow cars they saw: Holly saw zero and mom saw five. Her mom teaches her that focusing on bad things makes her miss the good things. She has Holly reflect back on her day and look at the positives.
This story gives a lesson about what you choose to see. It explore how easy it can be to be fixated on problems and disappointments that they ignore or miss all the good, funny and joyful things happening. It teaches how joy can be found anywhere if you simply look for it.
Thank you #NetGalley and Gina Prosch for the ARC.
Release date: august 1, 2023
Ages 5-11
This story gives a lesson about what you choose to see. It explore how easy it can be to be fixated on problems and disappointments that they ignore or miss all the good, funny and joyful things happening. It teaches how joy can be found anywhere if you simply look for it.
Thank you #NetGalley and Gina Prosch for the ARC.
Release date: august 1, 2023
Ages 5-11
August 3, 2023
This book is relatable for any child and is a good way to have a conversation with them about their feelings. The book shows kids that even if they have had a bad day, they can still reflect on the good things that occurred and to not dwell of the things that didn’t go well. There are tips at the back of the book for educators and parents to use with their kids to help them feel more positive about themselves and their day. Overall, this book sends a positive message that we should always look for the silver lining in things, even when things aren’t going well. This book is a good resource for kids to gain a more optimistic outlook in their daily lives.
Thank you to Boys Town Press Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Boys Town Press Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2023
We really enjoyed this story. In this little tale Holly seems to be having one of those days where everything was going wrong and is sure that nothing good happens. Holly's mom shows Holly how to look for other things in her day. She shows her how even though there were things going wrong the day still had little positive moments. Holly soon learns to look at things differently and see the positive too. She learns that if you only look for the bad you will miss the good. It is all about changing how you see things. This wonderful warm story does a great job with great illustrations that go perfectly with a well written tale. It also includes tips for parents and educators to use to extend the story and what the children have discovered. I highly recommend this story for parents and classrooms.
May 31, 2023
This is an amazing picture book that is not only for children. I'm gifting this one to a couple of friends who are adults and another who just left college and will start their lives (to leave anxiety aside). The book is well done and has tips at the end, that everyone can follow daily. Finding joy each day is not easy and the bad things that happen tend to overwhelm us, the way this mother teaches her daughter to notice her mistake is very clever. She asks her to spot red cars, but then asks her if she saw any yellow, this turns into a great lesson in rethinking in what we choose to focus on.
Very simple but with a powerful message.
Very simple but with a powerful message.
July 7, 2023
"Joy can be found anywhere... if you simply look for it."
Holly had focused only on the negative things in her day, but her mom showed her how to change that.
A good lesson for us all!
The illustrations by Kyle Merriman are delightful, imaginative, clear, and colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or teacher or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Boys Town Press Publishing/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you!
Holly had focused only on the negative things in her day, but her mom showed her how to change that.
A good lesson for us all!
The illustrations by Kyle Merriman are delightful, imaginative, clear, and colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or teacher or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Boys Town Press Publishing/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you!
July 4, 2023
This is about a little girl named Holly that is having a really bad day. She details everything that has gone wrong, but forgets that a lot of good has happened too. So her mom helps remind her by playing a game. This book was a nice read and helps your child understand that although you may have had a rough day, focusing on the positives will immensely improve your day as well as others. Love the authors message and illustrations.
4.5 stars
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
4.5 stars
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 31, 2023
I loved the way this book delivers its message about choice through a charming story and delightful illustrations. Children will be entertained by Holly's story as they absorb ideas that will also be relevant to parents and librarians: that how we interpret things is key. When it comes to daily obstacles, we can all use this reminder to choose joy rather than frustration, anger, or negativity. The book is simple without being preachy or overly simplistic, and I'm ordering copies for all of the kids in my life.
July 9, 2023
I love a good children’s book that adults can relate to as well. Holly is having a really bad day and when her mom asks her about the good things that happened that day, Holly can’t think of anything. Joy! You Find What You Look For is all about finding the good things in life, having gratitude, and the power of positivity. Everyone needs to practice the joy of finding joy. Lastly, the artwork is also incredibly beautiful.
August 12, 2023
Me and my children enjoyed this story with all the characters within. It's about a girl and her mother. The girl mother is picking her up at school. It is raining and the girl is having a bad day. While going home the mother ask her daughter how her day has gone.
This was a cute book to read. It had quite colorful illustrations throughout. My children like the story.
I received a complimentary copy Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
This was a cute book to read. It had quite colorful illustrations throughout. My children like the story.
I received a complimentary copy Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
September 11, 2023
The illustrations for this book were very bright and colorful, very cartoonish, which I feel would be appropriate to keep a child’s attention while reading. The meaning behind the book was very uplifting, encouraging and loving. I read it to my toddler as well as to my teenager, and it was a good story for both. It even had a page for parents at the end for recommendations in regards to speaking to your kids in certain ways, etc. overall I was very pleasantly surprised and happy with this book
May 25, 2023
This illustrated book is great to teach children to look for the proverbial silver lining. Going from a negative perspective to a more positive outlook on any situation takes a little training, and this book offers helpful tricks to do just that. A useful guide to learn how to look for the bright side despite adversity.
August 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! It is about finding the joy in life rather than dwelling on the negatives.
The mother in the story shows how if you only look at the negatives life will always seem bad. The mother helps her daughter think about the positives.
This books has beautiful illustrations and a really important message for children.
The mother in the story shows how if you only look at the negatives life will always seem bad. The mother helps her daughter think about the positives.
This books has beautiful illustrations and a really important message for children.
June 13, 2023
This was a really good book. I read it with my 4 year old son and he asked lots of questions which was great. This book is well illustrated. It breaks down how to look for the good and positive instead of focusing on the negative.
June 29, 2023
A book with beautiful artwork and an even more beautiful story.
This book teaches children to look on thr bright side and whatever they focus on, good or bad, will be the only thing they see.
I will be reading this book to my little one every time she starts feeling she's had an awful day.
This book teaches children to look on thr bright side and whatever they focus on, good or bad, will be the only thing they see.
I will be reading this book to my little one every time she starts feeling she's had an awful day.
July 11, 2023
A story reminding readers to look for the good things in life this was a heartwarming read and I really enjoyed it.
The illustrations are bright and vibrant and the flow of the story is really fun too.
The illustrations are bright and vibrant and the flow of the story is really fun too.
July 12, 2023
Thank you to publishers and NetGalley for this ebook.
Joy! You Find What You Look For is a thought provoking story of remembering to look for the good ect in life.
The illustrations were very pretty to look at and the story and underlying message was wonderful to read to my young son.
Joy! You Find What You Look For is a thought provoking story of remembering to look for the good ect in life.
The illustrations were very pretty to look at and the story and underlying message was wonderful to read to my young son.
July 12, 2023
Holly's mom picks her up from school only to learn that she's had a bad day. She then uses an interesting game with red cars to teach Holly a lesson on how she will only see the negative in her day, like the red cars. This was a well thought out story that could be easily used to a SEL lesson.
May 25, 2023
I had a great time reading this book with my little ones and talking about the things that make us happy. This was a lovely little story with beautiful illustrations.
July 1, 2023
Joy! You Find What You Look For is a cute but informative book. There was some great advice for kids and adults in this lovely little picture book- and the artwork is beautiful.
July 11, 2023
This is an amazing book that gives food for thought for all ages not just children!
My daughters (4 & 6) really enjoyed it.
Highly recommend!
My daughters (4 & 6) really enjoyed it.
Highly recommend!
August 9, 2023
Cute, cute, cute! Good lesson without being preachy. I love the colors and art. A beautiful story of gentle parenting
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October 27, 2023A beautiful story to help children see that things are not as bad if you keep yourself from just focusing on the negativity you encounter every day.
January 2, 2024
This is fine for the lesson it's trying to teach. I'm not sure how accurate it is because when I want to tell this to people it doesn't always go over well, but I appreciate the sentiement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews