Joy Through The Seasons
ISBN 978-82-693133-0-7
ISBN 978-82-693133-0-7
pages: 33
illustrated in colors, printed as paperback, written in english
Pris pr bok: 200NOK / 20EUR
Written and Illustrated by Anna R Kirste
Edited by Catalina Cipri
Joy Through The Seasons is a family-friendly book that inspires us to journey and communicate with our feelings in companionship. It offers a way of altering our language and understanding of thoughts and feelings through
play, words, and imagery.
play, words, and imagery.
THE SEED
The seed that sparked my idea for Joy Through the Seasons was a children’s book for grownups. Then five post it notes, each stating my key focuses led me to develop our 5 main characters. Along the way came a multitude of adventures and thorough conversations. I communicated with these characters through pen and paper, colors, dreams, and symbolic gestures. This was all before the actual manuscript was written, edited, and illustrated. It was an important ground from which the manuscript and illustrations evolved.
The reason why I wrote a children’s book for grownups was simply because I needed it. And I needed it in the softest way possible. As we edited and explored the manuscript, we saw the potential to expand from a book for grownups to a family-friendly experience. Through inviting this exploration into family dynamics and across generations, I hope that we can both learn from each other’s experiences and be brave enough to show compassion and understanding as we evolve through them.
Joy Through the Seasons is a reflection of both my own experience through the literal seasons and the waves of my emotions. Therefore I encourage you to interpret Joy’s message as literally or metaphorically as you wish, noting the duality between the clear connections to nature’s seasons and also the emotional seasons within us all.
This is my first offering, but really it is a love letter. To myself, as through writing this I have created meaning and new ways to articulate my journey living with and recovering from mental, physical, and emotional reactions to crisis. For you, hoping that through this you have or will find means to reflect and articulate your experiences deeper.
THE COLORS
This book began as black text on white paper and has evolved to include all the so many colors. Each color has been thoughtfully selected to reflect the energy that we wanted to share.
Green:
The first color that is central to Joy Through the Seasons is green. Green is seen in our cover and in many landscapes throughout the book. We decided on a medium shade of green that could span the many vibrant greens seen in nature. Additionally, green is the color of expansion, identity and abundance which are three themes that we explore throughout the story.
Blue:
The second color that is central to our story is blue. Blue is seen in our protagonist, Joy, as well as in the sky and waters. Blue is inspiring and for this reason chose blue to go on the journey with us. Blue is the color of trust, confidence and faith which you will learn are many components that Joy experiences!
White:
White is Joy’s guidance throughout her journey, seen all along our story. Our white has a slight pink in it, hinting to the childlike wonder and curiousity of pink that Joy embodies. White is the color of illumination, simplicity, and new beginnings, all which you experience in the book.
THE CHARACTERS
Joy is the first character that you meet in the book. She is curious and loves to go on adventures!
What types of adventures brings you joy?
Hurt is the second character that you get to accompany in the book. He is sharp and pointy, but really, he challenge us to be extra kind when it is hard to do so.
How do you show kindness towards yourself when you’re hurting?
Grief is the third feeling-friend that you get to know in our story. He’s kind, and a little clumsy.. He trusts that the ups and downs eventually make a melody.
Do you have a song you listen to or enjoy singing, that awakens harmony within you?
Relief is the fourth character that meets us in the story. She shows up with all her heart!!
Have you experienced someone showing up for you, with a feeling of Relief?
Awe is the last friend that you meet in our book. She is a volcano! And cannot wait for you to encounter the story.
Do you like the feelings of vast mystery when moving towards new phases of your life?
