Giles, Chrystal D. We Are Joy. Kitt Thomas, Illus. Random House, 06/2026. [31]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-64773-8. GRADES Kindergarten–8. OUTSTANDING.
We Are Joy is an uplifting picture book for African American families that celebrates the simple moments that bring happiness. Through food, family, books, nature, blue skies, and butterflies, the book gently shows young readers what joy can look like in everyday life. Colorful digital illustrations highlight the children’s faces and body movements clearly on each page, celebrating diversity by showing children with brown and light skin tones sharing joy together. The repeated words “We Are Joy” make it fun and easy to read aloud. Each page shows love, warmth, and happiness; pictures of a butterfly also show change, growth, freedom, happiness, and joy. This picture book is outstanding because it explains joy in a simple, beautiful way that young readers can understand, with vibrant colorful illustrations that bring the story to life. With a few strong words and strong pictures, this excellent picture book is a great choice for young readers and for Black History Month storytime.
Eboni Weston—San José State University iSchool Student