Great Joy

by Kate DiCamillo

Book Overview

In her first picture book, America's beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo reunites with Bagram Ibatoulline to offer readers an unforgettable holiday gift. It is just before Christmas when an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street corner outside Frances's apartment. Frances can see them from her window and, sometimes, when it's quiet, she can hear their music. In fact, Frances can't stop thinking about them, especially after she sees the man and his monkey sleeping outside on the cold street at midnight. When the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, and it's Frances's turn to speak, everyone waits silently. But all Frances can think about is the organ grinder's sad eyes -- until, just in time, she finds the perfect words to share. Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo pairs once again with acclaimed artist Bagram Ibatoulline as she presents a timeless story of compassion and joy.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763629200
• ISBN13: 9780763629205
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.0" x 11.4"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Heart warming

Thank you, Kate, for another wonderful story. You always so deftly and gently capture the confusion, sadness and mystery of human existence and the joy that comes when we reach out and move out of isolation on this crazy journey in child size way that is also a so perfect for grownups too.

A Great Joy to Read!

This is a beautiful and sensitive Christmas picture book that is not about snowmen or reindeer or Santa Claus. It gets to the heart of Christmas with a few lines of story and beautiful illustrations of a simpler time in our history on each page. Without being preachy, it preaches a clear message that Christmas is about caring and welcoming the stranger into our lives. Adults may love it even more than children do.

Lovely Story

This is a truly lovely story with a beautiful lesson. The illustrations are excellent and there are so many things a teacher can discuss about this book with their students. I read it in the library and can't wait to get a copy of my own. I did feel that the plot was rushed and was surprised when I turned the page and found the story had ended.

Great book!

This is a truly moving book. It brought tears to my eyes. The girl's love and concern for a man that no one else cares for are a great lesson for all kids (and their parents!)

GREAT JOY is indeed a great joy!

Having known sensitive children like the young girl in this story, I feel the author and the illustrator together have perfectly captured the concerns and the emotions of the young girl. It is masterful how the author built to the burst of "GREAT JOY" through the preceding pages of the young girl's questions, clearly stated feelings and actions in contrast to the "rush" of her mother. I look forward to sharing this with special young children in my life as the holiday season approaches.