How Jackson Found His Joy Again

From the author of the bestselling phenomenon The Invisible String comes a transformative picture book to help readers of all ages move through sadness and embrace life's colors.

Jackson has always been chock-full of joy and vibrant colors. But now his joy has dimmed and his colors are fading. It happens so slowly at first that Jackson barely seems to notice. But without all his colors, he feels gray and empty inside. Until one day when someone offers a few words of advice that changes everything: Each day, look for one color you see outside, and think about how it makes you feel.

Patrice Karst, author of the modern classic The Invisible String, shows readers how step by step, color by color, joy can return--and shine even more brightly than before--if we pay close attention to the world around us. Additional notes from Dr. Dana Wyss, PhD provide further guidance toward a path to recovery.

Author: Patrice Karst
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/06/2025
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.20w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780316572040
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2025
School Library Journal 03/28/2025 pg. 1
Publishers Weekly 05/26/2025

About the Author
Patrice Karst is the author of the bestselling, contemporary classic The Invisible String, which has sold over 2 million copies and been translated into twenty languages. Patrice has also written The Invisible String Family Celebration: A Reimagining of The Invisible String;The Invisible String Backpack, The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet, The Invisible Web: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love and Our Universal Connection, You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby, The Invisible String Workbook: Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm and Connect, a therapeutic activity book co-written with Dana Wyss, Ph.D. She has also written How Jackson Found his Joy Again, Ruby and Lonely, The Smile that Went Around the World, and God Made Easy, a universal spiritual guide to God for adults. Patrice has been on a lifelong mission to spread the message that love transcends time and space and is the most powerful force in the universe. Born in London, England, she now lives in Santa Barbara where she is working on her memoir and is the mother of one grown son, Elijah. She invites you to learn more at www.patricekarst.com.

Kristina Jones is an illustrator who has worked as a creative arts educator in both Ukraine and Eswatini. Her first book, The Amazing African Animal Alphabet, was nominated for an IBBY South Africa Picture Book Illustrator Award. She lives in British Columbia with her husband, daughter, giant dog, and three rescue cats.