15 months
Grips a pencil with adult precision
Studies picture books for hours. Motor control and attention far beyond developmental norms for a 15-month-old.
Jayce's Story
A chronological record of how Jayce Joyce BCyA went from gripping a pencil at 15 months old to publishing the UK's first nationwide child-led anthology by age 7.
At 15 months old, Jayce Joyce couldn't yet walk steadily — but he could hold a pencil with a grip more precise than most 5-year-olds. By age 3, he was writing scripts of everything he'd seen or heard and sticking them to walls, doors, and telephone poles. "I want everyone in my neighbourhood to read what I write," he told his mother. When the rain washed his stories away, he would cry — then write new ones.
Studies picture books for hours. Motor control and attention far beyond developmental norms for a 15-month-old.
Writes daily scripts of family life. Sticks them to walls, doors, and telephone poles around Sutton Coldfield. Completes the Summer Reading Challenge at age 3 — reads 6 books, writes a summary of each.
Publishes Jayce's Sweet Tooth and A Beach With No Sea simultaneously. The International Book of Records verifies: World's Youngest Author to Publish a Book Series Simultaneously.
IQ 150 — top 0.1% for age group. Assessed by Lyn Kendall, British Mensa's Gifted Child Consultant. Jayce also joins Potential Plus UK, a charity supporting gifted children.
Reads to over 60 children and families in his first official public storytime event. The session goes on to inspire what becomes a recurring partnership with the Library of Birmingham.
Publishes Jayce's Alphabet Rules. Launches the Jayce's World of Learning Gift Box. Mayor of Sutton Coldfield attends the launch event.
BYITC Inspire Awards — one of 28 outstanding young people recognised at the Houses of Parliament for sustained promise of national impact.
Youngest recipient among 20 outstanding youths. The British Citizen Youth Award is the young person's equivalent of an MBE — recognising sustained, selfless contribution to community.
Recognised in two TruLittle Hero categories: Academic (cognitive achievement) and Scribe (written work).
Youngest finalist at the international gathering of literacy leaders held at the University of Oxford.
National recognition for published works and contribution to children's literacy in the UK.
Kids category, hosted by Dr Ronx (BBC). Finished second in the country.
One of the youngest ever recipients. Past holders include HM Queen Elizabeth II, JK Rowling, Sir David Attenborough, and Marcus Rashford. The badge features on the back cover of Our Stories, Our World.
The UK's first nationwide child-led anthology. 20 authors, ages 6–10. 150+ at the Library of Birmingham launch. 1,000 copies sold. Guinness World Record application in progress.
What's next
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