Joy Watson, beloved author of ‘Grandpa’s Slippers’, has passed away

By MiNDFOOD

Joy Watson, beloved author of ‘Grandpa’s Slippers’, has passed away
The New Zealand literary community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved children's book authors. 

Joy Watson, author of the much-loved children’s book series, Grandpa’s Slippers, has passed away at age 83. Watson, born in Gisborne in 1938, published her children’s book, Grandpa’s Slippers in 1989.

The book went on to become a bestseller in New Zealand, Australia, the US, Canada and Spain.

In a statement shared today, Scholastic New Zealand said they are deeply saddened to hear of her passing. “Generations of children know Joy as the author of the much-loved series of five picture books about Grandpa (supposedly inspired by her husband!).”

Watson was awarded the Gaelyn Gordon Award for Grandpa’s Slippers in 2000, and the Children’s Choice Award in 200 for Grandpa’s Shorts. 

“With nearly half a million books in print across the series, Joy Watson’s Grandpa books are some of New Zealand’s all-time bestselling children’s picture books,” shared Scholastic.

“Written with her wry sense of humour, the books have resonated with thousands of children and their parents, and are a wonderful legacy to the world of New Zealand publishing.”

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login