Meet Jaycie Johnson - a kind, playful, vibrant, and artistic third-grader who loves to create, and who uses anything she can get her hands on to form her masterpieces!
Jaycie loves her family and expresses her love for them by creating beautiful (and messy!) art projects around the house. However, the messes are often more noticeable than her creations, and Jaycie's family doesn't always appreciate her creative process. Jaycie's best friend - her older brother Joel - is leaving soon for college. Joel is the one who understands Jaycie the most. When he's gone, who will goof around with her, admire her latest work, and make her smile when she's sad?
When Jaycie's surprise going-away gift for Joel is ruined, she embarks on a journey where she gently learns how to navigate her emotions in the midst of change. And on that journey she meets Joybird - the injured bluejay she rescues - who accompanies her as she discovers how to hold sadness together with empathy, courage, and joy.