The Little Things That Work: Insights from Joy Cowley

By Division of Humanities, University of Otago | Posted: Tuesday May 19, 2026

Children’s writer and national treasure Joy Cowley (ONZ DCNZM OBE) speaks to staff and students of Otago’s Te Kura Ākau Taitoka - College of Education.

“Rule number 1: Don’t have adults solving children’s problems, although sometimes children may solve adult’s problems,” says celebrated children’s writer Joy Cowley (ONZ, DCNZM, OBE).

Joy generously shares her insights on ‘The Little Things That Work’, with eight rules learned over a remarkable career writing for our young people. She shared her rules with a rapt audience of staff and students from Te Kura Ākau Taitoka - the University of Otago College of Education earlier this month.

Joy is a true champion and ally of young readers, and her books have been part of many childhoods, including ‘The Silent One’, ‘Mrs Wishy Washy’ and the ‘Greedy Cat’ series We were really delighted that ‘Greedy Cat’ illustrator Robyn Belton joined Joy on this visit.

In Joy’s talk, she focuses on beginning readers. As well as her eight rules, she shares stories from her own childhood and life, and reflections on the art of writing for children. Particularly evident are Joy’s respect and advocacy for young readers, her ear for language, her practical approach, and the pleasure she has found in the many connections made throughout her life.

We are deeply grateful to Joy for her generosity in speaking with us and agreeing that we can share her wisdom via this recording.

With the Children’s Writer in Residence on hold as we seek funding, the College is really missing having a children’s writer on site. So, it was a delight to host Joy and celebrate the importance of stories for and about our young readers. You can read more, including how to support our important residency for children’s literature here: The end of the University of Otago Children’s Writer Residency? - The Sapling

This year we celebrate 150 years of teacher education in Otago. Joy’s talk is a wonderful embodiment of the whakataukī at the heart of these celebrations; 'Hoki whakamuri, kia anga whakamua – Look to the past to forge the future.'

Watch Joy share her insights on YouTube