The Jones Family Express

This is a delightful celebration of strong family ties and one boy’s ingenuity. The first book, written by award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe, is stunningly illustrated with his unique mixed media collage illustrations. Steven can’t wait for his favourite aunt, Carolyn, to return from her latest trip. A world traveller, Carolyn sends Steven postcards from exotic places. Now it is time for the neighbourhood block party, and the whole family, including Carolyn, is meeting at Grandma’s house, where Steven lives. Steven wants to give Carolyn a special present. He finds just the right thing at his Uncle Charles’ house, a battered toy train that he transforms with photographs and paint into a glorious homage to the Jones family. In meandering, colloquial prose, Steptoe tells a warm story about a realistic family that bickers and loves even as it is selfish and generous. The thickly layered paper collages show brightly coloured family scenes against muted backgrounds of overlapping postcards. The collage of personalities in The Jones Family Express celebrates extended family and community in a fresh, authentic way.