Book Review #3: The Jones Family Express

Steptoe, Javaka. The Jones Family Express. New York :Lee & Low Books

The Jones Family Express tells the story of a young boy named Steven and his Aunt Carolyn, who is always traveling. Steven wants to find a specials gift for Aunt Carolyn before she arrives home for the annual block party. Steven eventually finds an old toy train, paints it, and glues pictures of his family on it. Aunt Carolyn gives Steven the present of being able to go on a trip with her.

The illustrations in the book immediately caught my attention. The background of each page is composed of the different postcards that Aunt Carolyn has sent Steven throughout the years. The foreground is composed of a collage of characters in the story created from what appears to be pieces of construction paper and pictures that appear to be cut out of magazines. The illustrations make the characters stand out and create a stage for the characters.

Steptoe explores themes that are familiar in children's books, especially African American children's books. The issues of family and sharing are explored, encouraged, and celebrated in the book. These issues are centered around a familiar custom in the Black community, the block party. The book reinforces positive images in the Black community including a loving grandmother and a playful and loving uncle. Overall, I think the book takes familiar themes and messages and tells them in an interesting way.