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Valerie Joy Watson - Trivia, Family, Bio

Author

Emma Horne

Published Mar 27, 2026

Award-winning New Zealand author of fifteen children's books, many of which were published by Scholastic Corporation. In 2015, her book, Grandpa's Slippers, was a fiction nomination for the Great Kiwi Classic. She also wrote Grandpa's Cardigan, Grandpa's Shorts, Grandpa's Shed, and Grandpa's Cat. 

Before Fame

She studied at Waipukurau and St Mary's College, Wellington. After school, she trained and worked as a dental nurse in the Dannevirke area.

Trivia

Her husband's old slippers inspired the book Grandpa's Slippers. She also wrote lyrics to school musicals and songs.

Family Life

She was known as Joy Watson. She was married to pharmacist Kevin Watson and together they had nine children. Her daughter is writer, singer and musician Mary-anne Scott.

Associated With

She was a famous children's author like Eric Carle.