About Book
CHICAGO — Colorism within the Black community has been a serious emotional and psychological battle since American slavery. Recently, a documentary was released addressing the critical issue of colorism among Black women. However, it’s vital to address colorism among Black girls at an early age. Author Clarissa Burton addresses this exact issue in her children’s book series—Princess Onyx™.
The Princess Onyx™ children’s book series is about a young girl names Jaydah who shares her painful experiences at the elementary school with her grandmother, Tata. To help Jaydah cope with the confusion and painful experiences, Tata tells Jaydah stories about a beautiful, Black princess named Onyx who experiences similar situations and deals with them in a positive manner with the support of her mother and father. Princess Onyx lives in the Kingdom of Jet with her parents, King Stygian and Queen Sable.
The Princess Onyx™ children’s book series is an essential read for all children, especially little Black girls and their families. This book series addresses such topics as colorism, Black hair textures, Black female features, etiquette, and being friends with non-Blacks without apology.
About Author
Clarissa Burton, aka Queen of The Pen™, International Investigative Journalist and Womanist Media Historian Correspondent, has published in the Charleston Post-Courier, the KC Star, Flourish Magazine, and the KC Small Business Monthly. She’s the founder of Queen of the Pen Books™ (www.queenofthepenbooks.com), and Princess Onyx™ (www.princessonyx.com) websites; currently writes for Yahoo, and CNN iReport; published: Travel – A Poetry Compilation; Elijah’s Great Race; The Black Family Tree™; and Faces; two Princess Onyx™ children’s books are scheduled for release in 2013. Clarissa has a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Business, and is currently completing her Ed.D. in Higher Education and Adult Learning.
About Illustrator
Jason Brooks, Illustrator – Jason Brooks is a career graphic artist who specializes in illustration. During his childhood, his mother inspired his love for art through her paintings. Jason began his artistic journey when he began to write and illustrate comic strips and books to entertain family and friends. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design.
Jason’s first professional job was in production art and package design. Over the years, he has expanded his work in freelance opportunities that include website and printed works. Jason is 38 years old, married and the father of two children. His inspirations are his Christian faith, family, and working to expand his career in Marketing. Jason is an expert user of Adobe Creative Suite as well as working closely with his clients to develop custom designs and illustrations.
Jason began working with Clarissa "Queen of the Pen" Burton in 2011. Their first collaboration was on her first children's book titled, Elijah's Great Race.
Jaydah was not happy when she came home from school. Someone had made a comment about not wanting to play with her because her skin was too dark. When her grandmother, Tata, heard Jaydah crying she knew just what to do to make her feel better. She told her a story about another little girl that was made fun of because of because she was poor and had raggedy clothes and her skin was too dark. Well the young Princess Onyx was at the time and did not like the way the little girl was being treated. What do you think happened next?
The illustrations of the children were just too cute and the illustrator captured the stories emotion in the children and Princess Onyx.
The author has touched on a subject that effects so many Black children and even adults of color. The lesson told in this story is that you should be proud of the color of your skin no matter who you are or where you are from. A quote from the story,"You are beautiful and exquisite like a beautiful and precious gem.".
I have always pondered on, what if everyone were blind. I know that sounds horrible but just think if everyone were blind no one would be concerned over the color of ones skin. We are all beautiful no matter our color! We are a Precious Gems!
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
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Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bostick Communications/Author Clarissa Burton for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
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