Let me start by saying that this is my very first book review of any kind. The Jupiter Strong Book Series is this AMAZING AMAZING set of children’s books that are positive, family focused, fun and educational. Written by Frank Edwards IV & and illustrated by Kelly Abel these richly detailed and wonderfully written books tell the story of Little Jupiter Strong. Jupiter Strong is a precocious little girl with a big family that includes a Mom (Sonia) & Dad (Maliq) and siblings (Ruby and Eldridge). The stories take you on a glorious journey through the world (2 continents) as she sees it and very important lessons on values, cultural pride, finances, self esteem are learned along the way.
There are 4 books in the series. Please enjoy the video intro’s for each one:
Jupiter Strong and The Lunch Lion
Jupiter Strong and The Hairy Hippos
Jupiter Strong and The Money Muncher
Jupiter Strong and The Victorious Voyage
As you can see from the videos these books present a very accurate depiction of an African American family. Illustrated with vibrant colors that highlight many skin tones and hair textures that exist in many Black families. OF COURSE you know I adored that everyone in the family has natural hair styles! From the intricate kente cloth designs in Jupiter’s outfits to the facial expressions of each family member, to the absolute feel for each space that the characters were in…its all there. It is very obvious that the artist has an eye for specifics and it really makes the stories real and relatable. As an adult reading the books I felt myself nodding in agreement with some of the lessons that are being taught. I learned a lot as well (especially when they went to Africa!!) I truly enjoy the Swahili word lessons that are at the end of each book. I felt really proud to read the words out loud to my daughter. And as we repeated them together a cultural connection was made.
In this day and age when every time you turn on the TV there are NEGATIVE images of the Black family it is more than refreshing to open up a Jupiter Strong book and see these gorgeous images of a whole Black family. Not since the Cosby Show have I seen the African American family represented so well.
My daughter is 12 years old and since the books are geared towards ages 7 and up she was really able to relate to them (especially with her being the youngest of 5!) After giving her the set to review she immediately read them all back to back!! And that’s the effect that the books have on you. REGARDLESS of your age, you are drawn in from the first page to the last. You become really interested in what happens next to Ms. Jupiter Strong and her family and are left wanting more at the end! I am really happy to have had the opportunity to read these books and I thank Frank Edwards IV for the opportunity to do so. My daughter and I really enjoyed the series and cannot wait to see it expand and grow!
Don’t just take my word for it! Check out JupiterStrong.com for more information on these books and how you can order your set! Perfect to add to your kids Summer Reading List!
We want YOU to experience Jupiter Strong too so we have gotten with the books Author Frank Edwards to offer you a chance to win the following Jupiter Strong Prize Pack that includes:
Free book from the Jupiter Strong series
Jupiter Strong Stickers
Jupiter Strong Autographed Poster
Jupiter Strong Coloring pages.
There will be only 1 winner! Enter to win now!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States & D.C. ONLY 18 years and older. Ends 07/19/14 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Make sure you are following @JupiterStrong on Twitter and Instagram (@Jupiter_Strong)
You can also find them on Facebook Jupiter’s Place
What are your kids reading this Summer?
Comments
