Planet Joy: Test

by Jenny Valentine, Claire Lefevre (illustrator)

For readers aged 9+ comes the third book in a sparkling series about family, friends and finding the joy in life! From Guardian  award-winning author Jenny Valentine, this is the perfect series for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Cath Howe and Lara Williamson!

Meet ten-year-old Joy Applebloom , a girl with a knack for finding the silver lining in even the darkest of rainclouds.

After years of travelling the world with her family, Joy feels like she’s finally found a place she can call home. She’s settled in at school, has a new best friend called Benny and she’s finally making a difference in the world.

But when a new girl, Phoebe Dark, joins class 6C, Joy discovers there’s a whole world out there that she hasn’t explored yet . . . Could Plane Tree Gardens be just the beginning?

A heart-warming and joyful series about family, friends and never being too small to make a difference, with gorgeous illustrations from Claire Lefevre.

'A delight for its warmth and humour, but principally because the writing is alive and stunning'  The Sunday Times on  A Girl Called Joy

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Jenny Valentine moved house every two years when she was growing up. She has just moved house again, probably not for the last time. She worked in a wholefood shop in Primrose Hill for fifteen years where she met many extraordinary people and sold more organic loaves than there are words in her first novel. She has also worked as a teaching assistant and a jewellery maker. She studied English Literature at Goldsmiths College, which almost put her off reading but not quite.
Jenny is married to a singer/songwriter and has two children.

In 2007, Jenny won the Guardian Prize for Children's Fiction with her debut novel FINDING VIOLET PARK.

Reviews

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy is a breath of fresh air. This is the third in the series (they only keep getting better) and I am just hoping it’s not the last.

This instalment is as uplifting as ever, as well as topical, and introduces some new and ever interesting characters once more. Look out for Mr. Suarez!

Joy is aimed at readers of 9+, but I think people of all ages would benefit from and enjoy a sprinkle of Joy in their lives every now and then 🌈

[rohini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an uplifting and cute read! I loved the writing and the character of Joy. She's so sunny, optimistic and just a refreshing protagonist! The plot was great as well and so were the themes! I will definitely be reading more from this author!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the free e-arc!

[Brigid Whoriskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs a bit of Joy on their lives. I loved these beautifully written Childers books, by the wonderful Jenny Valentine, brimming with optimism, silver linings and wonderful characters. Something for children and adults alike.