Joy Halloran-Davidson (Joy H Davidson) was born and raised in Auckland, and after living in Whangarei for six years, she now lives in the Hawkes Bay with her husband and a little black scruffy dog called Charlie. Her home and writing sanctuary is a little cottage by the sea in Napier. Educated at Epsom Girls Grammar School, she holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from Auckland University, and a Diploma with excellence in Writing Stories for Children from The New Zealand Institute of Business Studies.
She has studied art, drama and music, and has had a love and passion for writing all her life, wining various prizes for her poetry and prose while still at school. However it is only now, later in life, that Joy has finally decided to pursue her dream of becoming a professional children’s writer.
Witch's Cat Wanted, Apply Within is Joy’s debut picture book, and she perceives winning the 2015 Storylines Joy Cowley Award as ‘life changing’ and the opportunity to work with Joy Cowley as an invaluable experience.
When not writing Joy enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, travelling and retail therapy. And when she feels the need to be virtuous, walking, cycling and golf!
Joy is currently working on a number of other picture books, and a fantasy story for 8–12 year olds.

Selected bibliography:

•  Witch's Cat Wanted, Apply Within, illustrated by Nikki Slade-Robinson (Scholastic, 2016)

Awards

• 2015 Storylines Joy Cowley Award  for Witch's Cat Wanted, Apply Within