“You just have to try, try, and try again—because the sun will come out again.”
Gracie and Josh is a heartwarming celebration of love, resilience, and the special bond between siblings, especially when faced with challenges. Inspired by the beloved nursery rhyme Incy Wincy Spider, this story reminds us all—no matter what life throws our way, we keep climbing.
Written by Susanne Gervay and illustrated by Serena Geddes, this beautifully crafted picture book welcomes readers of all ages into a story of joy, hope, and inclusion. It gently acknowledges the difficulties that illness, special needs, and loss can bring to children and families while shining a light on the laughter, dreams, and love that make every moment precious.
With Variety – the Children’s Charity supporting Gracie and Josh, this book is an important resource for families, schools, and communities to open conversations about resilience, emotions, and the strength of family bonds.
Gracie and Josh – A Heartfelt Story of Love, Resilience, and Hope
Siblings Gracie and Josh love to play, imagine, and dance. They know that even when life gets tough, the sun will always shine again—just like Incy Wincy Spider, who never stops trying.
But some days are harder than others. When illness and special needs bring challenges, Gracie and Josh rely on each other for strength, laughter, and hope. Their bond is unbreakable, showing that even in the toughest times, love and joy can always be found.
Written by award-winning author Susanne Gervay and Disney-trained illustrator Serena Geddes, Gracie and Josh is a beautifully crafted picture book that celebrates resilience, inclusion, and the power of family. Supported by Variety – the Children’s Charity, this book gently explores the realities of illness and special needs while offering an uplifting message of hope and love.
Why Read This Book?
Gracie and Josh is more than a story—it’s a reminder to cherish every moment, embrace life’s ups and downs, and never stop trying.
Susanne Gervay is an award-winning Australian author, celebrated for her books that tackle real-life challenges with honesty, warmth, and humour. As a passionate advocate for children’s literature and social issues, she has worked extensively in anti-bullying initiatives, literacy programs, and youth empowerment.
Her I Am Jack series has been embraced by schools, families, and readers worldwide, addressing bullying, family, resilience, and growing up. The series has not only become an essential resource for anti-bullying education but has also been adapted into a successful stage production, touring Australia and beyond.
In Gracie and Josh, Susanne explores the power of love, inclusion, and hope. Inspired by real-life experiences, this beautifully illustrated book—endorsed by Variety – the Children’s Charity—celebrates sibling bonds and the resilience of children facing illness and special needs.
Through her writing, Susanne continues to inspire young people to find their strength, stand up for themselves, and embrace their individuality.
Variety spoke to Susanne Gervay about creating a picture book that shares the journey of children and adults, within families with a special needs child, and the broader community.
Thinking at her computer, she looked up and saw the photo of her daughter dressed as a spider taped onto the bookshelf.
This became the inspiration behind Gracie and Josh where Susanne used the nursery rhyme to acknowledge the challenges and the spirit to celebrate each day.
Then illustrator Serena Geddes embraced ‘Gracie and Josh’ celebrating the joy of children.Serena spent weeks at the school in the chidren’s hospital, played and drew with kids capturing their spirit for Gracie and Josh.
A Disney animator, Serena Geddes is one of Australia’s most loved illustrators. Her books included illustrator for the best selling Lulu Bell series written by Belinda Murrell.
“Gracie and Josh is a book about sticking together – through good and bad. It is about unconditional love and support, about resilience and about never giving up. It is a book that will make you turn to your family members and hug them. It is a book that you won’t easily forget.”
“A sweet telling of siblings loving each other, enjoying each other, and rising above what life throws at them.”
“It is a story which shows both the joys of being a kid as well as their vulnerability and confusion when confronted with tough stuff, and how the special relationship between siblings is so critical. As much as Gracie is there for Josh, he is there for Gracie.”
“It isn’t often – if ever – that a picture book has the power to bring a lump to my throat. This one did it for me. Endorsed by Variety the children’s charity, Gracie and Josh is not a story about fighting a life-threatening disease; it’s a story about life and living – and milking every drop from every minute we have been given. This is a profound lesson for us all. Sadly, the world is filled with children like Gracie and Josh. Every one of them is undoubtedly a hero.”
