“Johari’s Joy” Celebrates the Power of Friendship

Content is king. There’s no doubt that what brings book lovers back for more is a great story with lively characters. But it’s sometimes hard to pick a winner –– even for veterans in the publishing industry. Publishing is evolving, but the traits of a best seller are the same. This is especially true for children’s books. Children’s books need to grab two audiences: adults (who will view the book as a fun, educational gift) and kids (who just want a story that hooks them and entertains).

Children’s books need to have engaging characters, an interesting problem… and the ability to wrap everything up in about 30 pages. This is a tall order for any author, but children’s books also need to stimulate visual interest –– the illustrator is a partner in creating the world inside the pages. Author Boots Hensel, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, really knows how to weave an enchanting tale. She also knows how to partner with stellar illustrators that bring her warm tales to life.

Hensel brings her own life experience to each page in her books. For example, in the first book in her Zoo series, The Zoopendous Surprise, Hensel created two heartwarming characters from Asian elephants. Based on the animals that her daughter, a zookeeper, cared for, Hensel weaves a tale of wonder that easily grabs children’s attention. The anthropomorphic elephants share their wonder and bafflement with readers about a great surprise. The story is lavishly illustrated by Andrea Gabriel, who helps bring Hensel’s elephants a depth of emotion, grace, and fun that takes the book beyond the average children’s publication.

With the publication of Johari’s Joy, Hensel moves into the realm of altruistic tales. Johari’s Joy hits on all the important aspects of popular products: Consumers can feel good about buying the book for a child because of its message. Children will adore the fabulous story and colorful illustrations. Plus, customers get an extra benefit of knowing that they are supporting a very worthy cause by purchasing the book, since part of the proceeds from sales goes to Bowling for Rhinos. (Bowling for Rhinos consists of volunteers, sponsored by the American Association of Zookeepers, who raise funds and help endangered rhinos.)

Hensel’s knack for finding the right illustrator for the job is on target for this work. Children will be enticed with the fun, adorable drawings created by Mark Wayne Adams. Adams, a former illustrator at Disney, brings a lot of skill and experience to the table. Hensel and Adams are the perfect pair to bring to light the charming story of two surprising friends –– and help endangered wildlife at the same time.

The story focuses on the loneliness of two very different creatures, a black rhino and a pig. Johari the rhino is looking for a friend to splash about and snuggle with. Joy the pig is so down that her usual favorites, like a soak in the sun or some tasty apples, no longer bring any pleasure. One day, a zookeeper happens to notice the lack of companionship that Johari suffers from and decides to put an interesting plan into action. By placing Joy, the lonely pig, into the same enclosure as Johari, the zookeeper uncovers a unique solution that creates happiness for both animals. The book focuses on the universal needs for understanding, friendship, and belonging. It touches on the awareness of each creature as an individual with hopes and dreams. Johari’s Joy will engage children and bring parents back for more.

Johari’s Joy makes a great stocking stuffer for the upcoming holiday season, a nice surprise for a birthday, or could be used to bring attention to Endangered Species Day (the third Friday in May) and World Rhino Day (May 1, 2014). Animal-lovers will be particularly touched by the sensitivity shown to the characters in the book.

Strong stories, engaging illustrations and a helping hand make Johari’s Joy a winner! www.bootshensel.com