The Jones Family Express

By Javaka Steptoe
Paperback: $12.95

For as long as Steven can remember, Aunt Carolyn has traveled around the world, and she always sends him postcards from the places she visits.

Description

For as long as Steven can remember, Aunt Carolyn has traveled around the world, and she always sends him postcards from the places she visits. Those postcards make Steven feel special.

This summer Aunt Carolyn is coming to the annual block party and Steven wants to do something to make his aunt feel special too. He is determined to give her the perfect gift, but with little time and money, he worries that he won’t be able to find the right thing. Just when Steven begins to lose hope, he discovers a surprising inspiration-and learns that the best gifts of all come straight from the heart.

The Jones Family Express is a warm and joyous celebration of one boy’s love for his family. Javaka Steptoe’s inventive collage illustrations, bursting with color and energy, bring his story to life for families everywhere.

About the Creators

Javaka Steptoe

Javaka Steptoe is the illustrator of Lee & Low's In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall, winner of numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and an ALA Notable. His two other picture books, Do You Know What I'll Do? (HarperCollins) and A Pocketful of Poems (Chronicle) have received critical acclaim as well. Steptoe is renowned for his innovative collage constructions. The Jones Family Express is his first book as both author and illustrator. He received his degree in fine arts from Cooper Union in New York City, and currently teaches art to children. The son of the late Caldecott medalist, John Steptoe, Javaka marks his picture book debut with this collection. He lives in Brooklyn, NY. To find out more about Javaka Steptoe, visit javaka.com.

Awards

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Best of the Best Books

    Chicago Public Library

Reviews

  • "Steptoe tells a warm story about a realistic African American family that bickers and loves even as it is selfish and generous. The thickly layered paper collages show brightly colored family scenes against muted backgrounds of overlapping postcards. . . The mix of materials is inventive, and the skillful compositions are filled with action, palpable affection, and the pride Steven finds in his own creativity."

    - Booklist
  • "The family closeness and camaraderie are lovingly communicated, as are the family foibles (Uncle Charles eats off other people's plates, Grandad has a secret barbecue recipe everyone knows, etc.). . . The art is emotionally vibrant and and energetically rendered."

    - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
  • "An engaging, slice-of-life story. . . The collage of personalities in The Jones Family Express celebrates extended family and community in a fresh, authentic way."

    - School Library Journal

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781584302629
  • Publication Date May 01, 2002
  • Trim Size 8.5 × 10.75 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 1704
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584300472
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 1704
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / Multigenerational
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Travel
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Collaboration, Families, Fiction, Friendship, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Realistic Fiction, Sharing & Giving, Siblings
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 3.4
  • DRA 34
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 640
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 50
      Family Diversity
      Collection of 50 books: $736.50

      844 in stock

    • 46
      English Fiction Grades 3-6
      Collection of 46 books: $631.75