Joy Watson (original) (raw)

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New Zealand writer (1938–2021)

Joy Watson
Born Valerie Joy Watson(1938-02-21)21 February 1938Gisborne, New Zealand
Died 4 October 2021(2021-10-04) (aged 83)Havelock North, New Zealand
Occupation Author, school dental nurse
Language English
Education St Mary's College
Period 1980s–2021
Genre Children's literature
Notable works Grandpa's Slippers
Notable awards Gaelyn Gordon Award New Zealand Post Award

Valerie Joy Watson (née Evans; 21 February 1938 – 4 October 2021) was a New Zealand author of children's books, many of which were published by Scholastic Corporation.[1] Many of Watson's tales were based on her husband Kevin.[2] Watson had also written lyrics to school musicals and songs. She was the mother of writer/singer/musician Mary-anne Scott.[3]

Watson was born in Gisborne on 21 February 1938[4] to a farming family, she was the second (and only girl) of four children.[4] Largely educated by correspondence, she later attended school at Waipukurau and St Mary's College, Wellington.[1][5] Although her father left school at a young age, both of her parents were literate.[4] After finishing school, she trained as a dental nurse and worked in the Dannevirke area.[1]

Watson began her writing career by penning stories and poems for her family.[1] The inspiration for her book Grandpa's Slippers was her husband's old slippers.[1] It became well-known[6] and won a Gaelyn Gordon Award for a Much–Loved book in 2000.[1] Grandpa's Slippers was followed by Grandpa's Cardigan, Grandpa's Shorts, Grandpa's Shed and Grandpa's Cat.[1]

In 2015, Grandpa's Slippers was a fiction nomination for the Great Kiwi Classic,[7] adapted into a stage show,[8] and included in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Grants for 2017/2018.[9] It has been published in foreign language editions.[1]

Watson wrote 15 books and with her husband a musical performed in schools.[1]

In 2012, Watson dedicated preschool story time to the community of Hastings for New Zealand Book Month.[10]

Watson married pharmacist Kevin Watson and they had nine children.[1] Her daughter Mary-anne Scott is a writer of young adult fiction.[6]

Watson died in Havelock North on 4 October 2021, aged 83. Her Requiem Mass was held in the town on 7 October 2021.[1][11]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Grandpa's Slippers trod winning path". The Dominion Post. Stuff. 23 October 2021. p. 7. Retrieved 8 August 2022 – via PressReader.
  2. ^ "The private inspiration behind this iconic Kiwi book". Now To Love. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Mary-anne Scott". Penguin Books (NZ). Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  4. ^ a b c "Interview with Joy Watson". Christchurch City Libraries. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  5. ^ "Joy Watson". storylines.org.nz. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  6. ^ a b Monk, Felicity; Page, Emma (8 July 2017). "Spell binders: How Juliette MacIver, Toby Morris, Mary-anne Scott and Lisala Halapua write their acclaimed children's books". Stuff. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  7. ^ "The Great Kiwi Classic: On Sacred Cows and Literary Canons". Read NZ Te Pou Muramura. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Polished yet with Warmth, Ease and Playfulness". Theatre Review. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  9. ^ "2017/2018 Devonport-Takapuna Local Grants, Round Two" (PDF). Auckland Council. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  10. ^ "New Zealand Book Month 2012 – get ready to turn the page!". Hastings District Council. 21 February 2012.
  11. ^ "Joy Watson, beloved author of 'Grandpa's Slippers', has passed away". MINDFOOD. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Watson, Joy". Read NZ Te Pou Muramura. Retrieved 8 August 2022.