Joy Watson
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21 February 1938
Gisborne, New Zealand
Havelock North, New Zealand
Joy Watson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Valerie Joy Watson 21 February 1938 Gisborne, New Zealand |
| Died | 4 October 2021 (aged 83) Havelock North, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Author, school dental nurse |
| Language | English |
| Education | St Mary's College |
| Period | 1980s–2021 |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Notable works | Grandpa's Slippers |
| Notable awards | Gaelyn Gordon Award New Zealand Post Award |
Valerie Joy Watson (née Evans; 21 February 1938 – 4 October 2021) was a New Zealand author of children's books, many of which were published by Scholastic Corporation.[1] Many of Watson's tales were based on her husband Kevin.[2] Watson had also written lyrics to school musicals and songs. She was the mother of writer/singer/musician Mary-anne Scott.[3]
Watson was born in Gisborne on 21 February 1938[4] to a farming family, she was the second (and only girl) of four children.[4] Largely educated by correspondence, she later attended school at Waipukurau and St Mary's College, Wellington.[1][5] Although her father left school at a young age, both of her parents were literate.[4] After finishing school, she trained as a dental nurse and worked in the Dannevirke area.[1]
Career
Watson began her writing career by penning stories and poems for her family.[1] The inspiration for her book Grandpa's Slippers was her husband's old slippers.[1] It became well-known[6] and won a Gaelyn Gordon Award for a Much–Loved book in 2000.[1] Grandpa's Slippers was followed by Grandpa's Cardigan, Grandpa's Shorts, Grandpa's Shed and Grandpa's Cat.[1]
In 2015, Grandpa's Slippers was a fiction nomination for the Great Kiwi Classic,[7] adapted into a stage show,[8] and included in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Grants for 2017/2018.[9] It has been published in foreign language editions.[1]
Watson wrote 15 books and with her husband a musical performed in schools.[1]
In 2012, Watson dedicated preschool story time to the community of Hastings for New Zealand Book Month.[10]
Personal life
Watson married pharmacist Kevin Watson and they had nine children.[1] Her daughter Mary-anne Scott is a writer of young adult fiction.[6]
Watson died in Havelock North on 4 October 2021, aged 83. Her Requiem Mass was held in the town on 7 October 2021.[1][11]
