COLUMBUS, OHIO– What does the stereotypical fairy tale princess look like? That instant image is exactly what the author of a new children’s book hopes to change.
In his debut book Jet Black and the Ebony Knights, author E.C. Ezirim brings young readers on an adventure with Princess Jet-Black and the heroic Ebony Knights. As the knights embark on an epic journey to save the kingdom, rescue the princess and prevent a war, the book aims to open children’s eyes to new definitions of heroes and happy endings.
In his debut book Jet Black and the Ebony Knights, author E.C. Ezirim brings young readers on an adventure with Princess Jet-Black and the heroic Ebony Knights. As the knights embark on an epic journey to save the kingdom, rescue the princess and prevent a war, the book aims to open children’s eyes to new definitions of heroes and happy endings.
“This book really aims to dispel the ‘Snow White’ notion that all that is good is white,” Ezirim says. “The most treasured position on earth can be occupied by someone who is not white.”
Highlighting the black fairy tale princess, Jet Black and the Ebony Knights also introduces children to the overall message that the least among us can still be a hero. Addressing the overall non-existence of “happily ever after,” Ezirim hopes the book will be not only entertaining for children, but enlightening for all.
“Overall, it appeals to our innate desire to overcome life’s challenges and become better,” Ezirim says.
“Overall, it appeals to our innate desire to overcome life’s challenges and become better,” Ezirim says.
About the author
E.C. Ezirim is a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio. Passionate about African culture, Ezirim established the Odenigbo Cultural Group and has been featured at numerous special occasions across the U.S., including a commencement honoring the former president of Nigeria. The co-founder of NAPPSA (National Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas), Ezirim currently serves as a board member.
E.C. Ezirim is a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio. Passionate about African culture, Ezirim established the Odenigbo Cultural Group and has been featured at numerous special occasions across the U.S., including a commencement honoring the former president of Nigeria. The co-founder of NAPPSA (National Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas), Ezirim currently serves as a board member.
An alumnus of The Ohio State University, he was a varsity soccer player and graduated with dual degrees in nutrition and pharmacy. Ezirim lives in Columbus with his wife and five children.
I will be buying this book.
ReplyDeleteYea. Sometimes I wonder if folks even read these posts.
ReplyDeleteI read all of them though I don't always post.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed reactions about this. I'm sure it's a good story and I'll judge separately that when I read it.
On one side I see it's good to have characters of different races portrayed in books, movies, games, etc. Multiculturalism is something the US fails at when it comes to visual images. I don't have kids of my own but my nieces should grow up in a world where they can see characters that look like themselves in their entertainment.
On the other, I struggle with the the forced stereotypical title of the book. Yes I and fully aware of "Snow White" and "Goldilocks" in the literary world has similar names. The difference is that those names don't attempt to negate a stereo type by enforcing one.