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  • Published: 17 October 2023
  • ISBN: 9780241597392
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $16.99

The Little Book of Joy




From the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama comes an uplifting picture book all about finding joy in the everyday, adapted from their adult bestseller The Book of Joy.

Joy is the warm tingly feeling of the sun tickling your toes in the morning.
It's the giggly, squiggly feeling when you are doing something silly.
Even when you wake to the rain and your joy is washed away, it's waiting at the bottom of the puddle.

This is the story of two friends: the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Once two lonely boys on opposite sides of the world, they grew up to discover the joy in everyday life and spread their joy with the people around them.

Their message for every child is that joy is never far away. Even in hard times, joy never truly disappears. And when we share our joy with others, it grows inside us.

This picture book adaptation of the international bestseller, The Book of Joy, is full of the humour, friendship, and deep affection between two spiritual leaders. In challenging times, it is a timely reminder that joy is all around us, if only we know where to look.

Vibrantly illustrated by award-winning Rafael López, this is the perfect book to reassure and inspire young readers everywhere.

  • Published: 17 October 2023
  • ISBN: 9780241597392
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $16.99

About the authors

Dalai Lama

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. His tireless efforts on behalf of human rights and world peace have brought him international recognition. He is the recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Congressional Human Rights Award, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Nobel Peace Prize. 

Desmond Tutu

Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Southern Africa, became a prominent leader in the crusade for justice and racial reconciliation in South Africa. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. He lives in Cape Town, South Africa. For more information please visit tutu.org.za.