Roy The Koi: The Fish Who Lived Forever by Joseph McCarthy & Holly DiBella-McCarthy
What if a magical fish could teach us how to say goodbye? Roy the Koi: The Fish Who Lived Forever is a tender, all-ages picture book that helps children—and the adults who love them—navigate the journey of love, loss, and healing through the timeless power of story.
In this beautifully illustrated tale inspired by a real koi, Roy brings joy, magic, and comfort to everyone who visits his peaceful pond. As he swims beneath the surface, he becomes more than a fish—he becomes a friend, a symbol of hope, and a keeper of wishes. But one day, Roy stopped swimming, and the pond grew still.
Told through the eyes of a boy who grew up with Roy, this story gently guides readers—young and old—through the joy of emotional connection, the sadness of saying goodbye, and the healing that comes when we share memories out loud. As the townspeople begin to share their memories, they discover that Roy’s spirit never truly left. His story lives on—because stories, like love, never die.
Perfect for ages four and older, this heartwarming story is ideal for:
families navigating the loss of a pet or loved one
teachers and counselors introducing grief and healing to young children
anyone who believes in the power of stories to comfort, connect, and heal
With luminous illustrations and a message of lasting love, Roy the Koi is a must-have for readers who treasure picture books about love, loss, and memory.
“Roy, the magical koi fish, teaches a small town how to treasure memories and find comfort after loss in this heartwarming children’s picture book.” HMD
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Author Bio:
Mother and son creative team Holly DiBella-McCarthy and Joseph McCarthy share a bond that goes beyond being family. Their collaboration began when Joseph—an artist trained at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles—approached Holly with a story idea sparked by a reflective experience at the Porter Reservoir in Manchester, Connecticut, where Holly grew up, and Joseph now lives. The event left many of Joe’s friends—who had never experienced loss—deeply moved, prompting him to question how children come to understand and cope with death. Drawing on her background as a special education teacher, school administrator, and university professor, Holly helped shape the narrative. Together, they merged Joseph’s original concept and detailed illustration notes with Holly’s deep understanding of child development, creating a story that inspires imagination while also reflecting the compassion at the heart of Holly’s award-winning Dilly Duck and Friends series. Their partnership is a reminder that the right story can bring people of all ages closer together. Learn more about the authors and their magical stories at bookchatterpress.com.
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