Books: New ‘Mama’s Boyz’ comic book teaches with wit, humor

Jerry Craft is the creator of “Mama’s Boyz,” a comic strip that has been syndicated by King Features since 1995. His first book, “Mama’s Boyz: As American as Sweet Potato Pie!” was included in the list of Great Books for African-American Children. His latest collection features 112 pages of his award-winning strip.

Craft, who has been called one of the finest cartoonists and professionals in the business, displays his quick wit, artistic skill and deft use of youthful language to spotlight many of life’s lessons. It’s this trifecta of his talents that enables his strip to connect with younger readers.

“Mama’s Boyz Home Schoolin’” shifts the focus from many of the negative aspects of African-American life to the more positive ones. For example, the strip emphasizes again and again that it is cool to be smart and that education is the way to achieve a better life. Craft is convinced that guidance is more than just the responsibility of parents. He believes it also is the job of teachers, aunts, uncles, neighbors and elders.

One of the best things about “Mama’s Boyz Home Schoolin’” is that it allows kids and young adults to learn valuable lessons through common sense and humor. This mixing wit with traditional values is a win-win situation and certain to attract readers of all ages.

In addition to his strips, sections of the book also include an intimate look at how Craft draws his characters and where he gets his inspiration. There’s even an old-fashioned flipbook with Mama’s son Yusuf showing his moves at the bottom of the page. It’s a hoot.

This is a book about real-life situations, and it is highly recommended.