Kim-Joy, a former contestant on The Great British Bake Off, is set to release an intriguing graphic novel titled “Quiet”. The book, which is illustrated by Alti Firmansyah, explores complex themes surrounding mental health, including social anxiety and selective mutism, drawing inspiration from Kim-Joy’s own experiences.
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Central to the narrative is a character named Mary, who is grappling with her inability to speak at school due to selective mutism. In an unexpected twist, she is assigned a mental health support robot called SereniBot. While initially mortified by this arrangement, Mary soon discovers that the robot is not merely a tool for her coping mechanism but could also aid her in standing up for herself. However, as the story progresses, Mary finds herself navigating the delicate balance between asserting herself and crossing into bullying territory.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Kim-Joy shared her excitement about introducing readers to both Mary and the SereniBot. She noted the significance of mental health in her life, having previously worked in mental health support roles in community and inpatient settings. Currently, Kim-Joy is involved with Wren Bakery, a UK charity that merges the art of baking with mental health support.
Kim-Joy expressed that much of her character’s internal struggles are reflective of her own feelings of grappling with a vivid inner world that sometimes remains unexpressed. “I think a lot of people know that feeling,” she remarked, aiming to create a narrative that speaks to those who have ever felt voiceless or misunderstood. “I wanted to write something for us. And maybe it also makes you want your own robot!”
“Quiet” is not just about the character’s internal conflicts, but also serves as a reminder that “courage doesn’t always roar — and sometimes, the quietest voices carry the most important truths.” Through her story, Kim-Joy intends to provide comfort and a sense of belonging to readers, reinforcing that stories can be powerful tools for connection.
The upcoming release of “Quiet” follows the success of Kim-Joy’s previous graphic novel, “Turtle Bread: A Graphic Novel About Baking, Fitting In, and the Power of Friendship.” This new venture sees her once again team up with illustrator Alti Firmansyah, who expressed her eagerness to collaborate with Kim-Joy on this project. “Bringing her cookies and cakes and other creations to the page is a treat,” said Firmansyah.
Throughout the creative process, Firmansyah found a personal connection with the character of Mary. She described the experience of designing the robot and expressing Mary’s emotions through her illustrations as a fulfilling way to explore what it might be like to have a supportive sidekick. The collaborative nature of the project, with both creator and artist drawing on personal experiences, enhances the depth of the story.
Set to be released in the summer of 2027, “Quiet” is now available for pre-order. Kim-Joy hopes that it will resonate with anyone who has faced challenges related to mental health, ultimately delivering a message of hope and companionship.
With her unique blend of baking, storytelling, and mental health advocacy, Kim-Joy continues to carve a niche for herself in the literary world. Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to the profound and whimsical journey that “Quiet” promises to offer, encouraging readers to embrace their voices, no matter how quiet they may seem.