The children’s book, Joy Goes to Mexico, tells the story of Joy and her latest adventure to Mexico where she makes friends with a boy named Jose and his dog, Coco! The book teaches children about the country and culture and there is even a Glossary of Spanish words that goes along with the book!
The story is part of a book series that Joy Saxton created which is based on her real-life experiences traveling the world. Joy wants to spread kindness and diversity, inspiring children to have compassion and understanding for kids around the world.
Joy grew up anchoring a two-time national award-winning kids show called Kids TV Express and has worked passionately with kids for over 25 years.
We spoke to Joy about her new book and her travels and here is what she had to say.
How did you get started?
When I was a child, I was invited to perform in a traveling play that toured throughout Russia and the Ukraine. The play was called Peace Child, and that experience changed my life. It was before the Cold War ended and I greatly feared the Soviet Union. I made friends with a little boy named Sergey and wrote my first book, Joy and the Far Away Land, about that experience.
What message do you provide the children?
I go through the schools reading and doing a presentation with my puppets, and I want to teach children to love the world! To have compassion and understanding for other children and cultures and countries. I hope to also inspire a passion for travel! I love to experience new places, its life changing every time I go somewhere new. I also tell kids they can become artists and writers, and start now! I made my first book with markers and paper for my teacher.
Where have you traveled?
My most recent trips this past year where to Paris and to Egypt. I was blown away by the grandiosity, beauty and elegance of Paris. It felt like a dream, and there was art and gardens and cafes with coffee everywhere! I went on Bastille Day and the fireworks from the Eiffel Tower were spectacular! I also traveled to Egypt and through Jordan and Petra this year. It was like being in a different world completely. Riding camels, and sleeping in tents in the desert. I got to see the Pyramids and learn about great ancient civilizations. I stayed with a family while I was there, and the family was so kind to me. Traveling in Petra where they filmed Indiana Jones and one of the wonders of the world, was unforgettable.
What is your background?
My background is in television, I anchored a TV show starting at age 8 years old, for ten years. Later, I worked for top talent agency Page Parkes Modeling and Acting Agency. I started my own after school program where I taught movie-making for 7 years in West University called the Joy Kids Studio. I launched my book series in 2018 and devoted my life to teaching this message.
What’s next for you?
I will start writing and illustrating the next books in my series, Joy Goes to Paris, followed by Joy Goes to Egypt. I plan to go to as many schools that I can to encourage the arts and culture. I also started a Bookmobile using my husband’s trailer and I’ll be out and about spreading the joy of reading books on my trailer! I always have my orange puppet named Furry! He’s my side-kick and really the star of my show!
Where can I get your books?
My website www.JoySaxton.com, Amazon, River Oaks Barnes and Noble.