News
Joy Brown has snapped up the entire remaining collection of Joy Cowley children’s books from an Auckland warehouse - and it’s been a real labour of love.
Best known for the much-loved Greedy Cat series, Cowley has also created timeless favourites such as Mrs Wishy Washy, The Hungry Giant, and The Meanies - stories that have delighted generations of Kiwi kids.
When the opportunity came up to give these books a new lease on life, the Young Reflections owner didn’t hesitate.
“The publisher, Clean Slate Press in Auckland, had a large amount of stock available as they were finishing up in their current warehouse space,” Joy said. “Rather than see these beautiful books disappear, I knew we had to step in. Joy Cowley’s stories are such an important part of our children’s reading journey.”
Joy explained that changes in international education trends have made it harder for big books and guided readers to find homes overseas in recent years, but that doesn’t change how much children still love them here.
“Kids still adore Mrs Wishy Washy, The Hungry Giant, The Meanies and all the other favourite characters, so I offered to take the lot - five pallets of big books and small books,” she said. “I’ve been boxing them up and delivering them to preschools and schools so they can add new titles and replace well-loved copies.”
Members of the public are also welcome to come in and have a look, with plenty of titles now available and on display in store.
