Five-Year-Old Oakville Published Author Given Award by New York State Senate

The Oakville Beaver first met little Journee Campbell, 5, last August when she was on the cusp of publishing her second book Save Your Tears Have No Fear. Her first book was The Little Voice in My Head.

What the little Oakvillian didn’t know at the time was that would not be her last accomplishment before the year is out.

Last Friday, on Dec. 10., New York state senator Jeremy Cooney bestowed a proclamation to honour Journee for being an inspiration to kids like her.

“I don’t think she knows how historical it is to be a recipient of the award, but she knows it’s a big deal to receive the award,” Jasquand Campbell, Journee’s father said.

Journey was born in Oakville and has some family ties in Rochester, N.Y., through her father.

“We told her, ‘Hey, we got a surprise for you. We’re going to let you meet someone special,' ” Jasquand added.

For Senator Cooney, they decision to recognize Journee and her accomplishment was made to provide a ray of hope in a time when people have little reason for optimism. "In my country, which is so divided over the pandemic, whether it's masks, vaccines, that's what we talk about."

"To have a little five year old girl bring some humanity to a very strange and uncertain time, it is just a gift.

Senator Cooney’s proclamation states: “It is the intent of the Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals who substantially contribute to the vitality of their communities and the entire Empire State.”

The proclamation goes on for several more paragraphs to shine a spotlight on Journee’s accomplishments, motivations and her work’s effects on the community.

The proclamation ends with “I, New York Senator Jeremy Cooney honour Journee Campbell, published author and inspiration to us all, and be it further that a copy of this proclamation be transmitted to Journee Campbell.”

“A lot people, all of our family came into town and she was just overwhelmed with joy,” Journee’s father said. Jasquand mentioned that Journee often goes into her “shell” when in anxious situations.

But in this case her extended family, both from Canada and the U.S., coming to see her for this award put her at ease.

Since last August, Journee has released a third book, How the Grinch Found Love on Christmas. A fourth book is in the works. Jasquand Campbell says it will be called We’re All Special.

It is about how everyone’s differences make each and every one of us unique and celebrates diversity. The family publishing company, Campbell Creations Publishing, is aiming for a February 2022 release.