Joy Berry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joy Berry
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![]() Author Joy Berry
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Born | April 15, 1944 |
Occupation | Author, educator,parenting expert and character development specialist |
Genres | Children's literature, child development, moral character development |
Joy Berry (born April 15, 1944) is an American writer and expert in child development. She is famous for writing over 250 self-help books for kids. These books have sold more than 85 million copies! Many people call her the "Inventor of Self-Help Books for Kids."
Contents
About Joy Berry's Work
Joy Berry started writing her books because she saw a need for them. She wanted to give kids clear, easy-to-understand information. Her goal was to help children learn to be responsible for themselves. She also wanted them to be responsible in their relationships with others. And, she wanted them to care for their environment.
In 2004, important groups like Amnesty International and the United Nations asked Joy Berry for help. They wanted her to turn the "Convention on the Rights of the Child" into a self-help book for kids. This book was called Mine and Yours. Later, the American Red Cross also asked her to write books. These books taught kids about human dignity and how to solve problems peacefully.
In 2013, all these ideas came together in a program called "Kids for Global Peace." This program uses fun animated characters called The Junkroom Band. It includes an interactive website and short TV shows. There are also electronic comic books and guides for teachers. All these tools help kids learn about human rights, dignity, and peaceful ways to solve problems.
Joy Berry's Book Series
Joy Berry has a special collection of books called the Joy Berry Classics. These books are grouped into seven series. Each series helps children with different issues as they grow up. Many of these books also come with free online downloads. These include tips for parents, read-along soundtracks, and original music.
Teach Me About (TMA)
These books are for very young children, up to three years old. They help kids take their first steps toward being responsible. Sometimes, young children act irresponsibly if they are not encouraged to take charge. Parents might see them as too little to be responsible.
The TMA books help parents start shifting responsibility to the child. They help young children understand and handle everyday situations. This includes things like mealtime, bathtime, and getting dressed. They also cover feelings, friends, and family members.
Let's Talk About (LTA)
These books are for children aged three to five. They teach kids how to handle their feelings in good ways. Young children often feel strong emotions. These feelings can lead to behavior that causes problems.
The LTA books help young children understand their emotions. They also teach them about tough situations they might face. The goal is to help them deal with these feelings and situations positively. Topics include feeling afraid, worried, angry, or sad. They also cover being shy, new situations, and playing with others.
Help Me Be Good (HMBG)
These books are for children five to seven years old. They help kids change misbehavior into good behavior. Young children often focus on themselves. This can lead to actions that bother others. This can create a cycle of negative reactions.
The HMBG books aim to stop this negative cycle. Each book explains a misbehavior, like being lazy or messy. It tells why the behavior happens and its bad effects. Then, it gives ideas for changing it to good behavior. Other topics include showing off, being selfish, lying, or fighting.
Living Skills (LS)
These books are for children aged seven to nine. They teach kids important skills for living. Children sometimes don't know how to be responsible. This can make them feel unhappy or unproductive later on.
The LS books teach children what they need to know to live smart and responsible lives. They cover personal skills like self-esteem and health. They also teach social skills for good relationships with others. And they teach coping skills to handle things positively. Topics include thinking, learning, making decisions, and managing money.
Survival Skills (SS)
These books are for children nine to eleven years old. They help kids learn to meet what society expects of them. Sometimes, children are not ready for these expectations. This can lead to frustration and disappointment.
The SS books give kids the information and skills they need to follow through. This includes things like keeping their room clean or doing homework. They also cover caring for pets and choosing good friends. Other topics include good grooming, table manners, and using computers safely.
Winning Skills (WS)
These books are for preteens, starting at eleven years old. They help young people become their best selves. Misbehavior in preteens often comes from low self-esteem or feeling lost. Pressure from friends can make these problems worse.
The WS books help young people overcome challenges. They help them take control of their lives and do well in every way. Topics include overcoming fear, stress, and bad habits. They also cover being smart, creative, organized, and achieving goals.
Good Answers to Tough Questions (GATQ)
These books address challenging subjects for children of all ages. All children will face difficult topics or situations. If not handled well, these can have a negative impact. Many adults also struggle to help children with these hard experiences.
The GATQ books give honest answers to tough questions. They help both children and adults turn negative experiences into positive ones. These books can also help parents and teachers talk about hard topics. This can lead to healing and growth. Topics include divorce, stepfamilies, moving, and dealing with serious illness or loss.
Other Books by Joy Berry
Besides the Joy Berry Classics, Joy has written other books:
- Mine and Yours (Human Rights for Kids)
- So What's Wrong With Playing Video Games?
She also has many activity books:
- Can Make and Do (12 books)
- Relationship Builders (2 books about games)
- Sensational Seasons and Holidays (12 books)
- Dozens of Dynamite Things (12 books)
- Every Kids Guide to Saving the Earth (instructional and activity book)
And books for parents:
- Happily Everafter
- Helping Them Tame the Big Bad Wolves
- The Uncomplicated Guide to Becoming a Superparent
- Loving Your Child toward Spiritual and Emotional Maturity
- Keep Your Child Safe from Kidnapping
- Keep Your Child Safe from Abuse and Neglect
- Raising Responsible Kids
In 1986, Joy Berry also published a children's book called Looking. It was about how we see.
Joy Berry in the Media
Joy Berry has been featured in various news articles and websites:
- Crains New York: Starting a business at an age when most folks are thinking retirement
- Sacramento Bee: Parents are not the only ones affected...
- Parenting.com: Time to Give Up On Santa?
- Univision: Potty Training