John Steptoe

The Story of Jumping Mouse John Steptoe

Brief Description: The gifts of Magic Frog and his own hopeful and unselfish spirit bring Jumping Mouse finally to the Far-Off Land where no mouse goes hungry. Marc Notes: The gifts of Magic Frog and his own hopeful and unselfish spirit bring Jumping Mouse finally to the Far-Off Land where no mouse goes hungry.; Ages 4-8.; Caldecott Honor Book, 1985. Publisher Marketing: The smallest and humblest of creature can dream of greatness and, if faithful to himself and the dream, can become the noblest of creatures. Publisher Marketing: "You will reach the far-off land if you keep hope alive within you." The words of Magic Frog give courage to the young mouse on his long and perilous journey to reach the wonderful land of legend. He faces many obstacles on his quest and sacrifices much to help others in need. But the mouse's compassion and faith in himself prove to be a source of great power...and bring him rewards even beyond his dreams. Review Citations:

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/1991 pg. 124 (EAN 9780688087401, Paperback)

Wilson Children's Catalog 96 01/01/1996 pg. 131 (EAN 9780688087401, Paperback)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2001 pg. 130 (EAN 9780688087401, Paperback)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2006 pg. 159 (EAN 9780688087401, Paperback)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2010 pg. 210 (EAN 9780688087401, Paperback)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/1991 pg. 124 (EAN 9780688019037, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 96 01/01/1996 pg. 131 (EAN 9780688019037, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/1991 pg. 124 (EAN 9780688019020, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 96 01/01/1996 pg. 131 (EAN 9780688019020, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2001 pg. 130 (EAN 9780688019020, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2006 pg. 159 (EAN 9780688019020, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2010 pg. 210 (EAN 9780688019020, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/1991 pg. 124 (EAN 9780606043359, Prebound-Sewn)

Wilson Children's Catalog 96 01/01/1996 pg. 131 (EAN 9780606043359, Prebound-Sewn)

Contributor Bio:  Steptoe, John John Steptoe was born in Brooklyn. From early childhood, he drew pictures and told stories with them. He started work on Stevie, his first picture book, when he was sixteen, and Stevie was published three years later to outstanding critical acclaim. Since then, he has written and illustrated many successful books for children. John Lewis Steptoe, creator of award-winning picture books for children, was born in Brooklyn on September 14, 1950 and was raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of that borough. He began drawing as a young child and received his formal art training at the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan. He was a student in the HARYOU-ACT Art Program and instructed by the highly recognized African American oil painter, Norman Lewis. He also studied at the Vermont Academy, where he was instructed by the sculptor, John Torres, and William Majors, a painter acclaimed by the Museum of Modem Art for his etchings and print-making. His work first came to national attention in 1969 when his first book, Stevie, appeared in its entirety in Life magazine, hailed as "a new kind of book for black children." Mr. Steptoe, who had begun work on Stevie at the age of 16, was then 18 years old. In his 20-year career, Mr. Steptoe illustrated 15 more picture books, ten of which he also wrote. The American Library Association named two of his books Caldecott Honor Books, a prestigious award for children's book illustration: The Story of Jumping Mouse in 1985 and Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters in 1988. Mr. Steptoe twice received the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, for Mother Crocodile (text by Rosa Guy) in 1982, and for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. While all of Mr. Steptoe's work deals with aspects of the African American experience, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters was acknowledged by reviewers and critics as a breakthrough. Based on an African tale recorded in the 19th century, it required Mr. Steptoe for the first time to research African history and culture, awakening his pride in his African ancestry. Mr. Steptoe hoped that his books would lead children, especially African American children, to feel pride in their origins and in who they are. "I am not an exception to the rule among my race of people," he said, accepting the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Illustration, "I am the rule. By that I mean there are a great many others like me where I come from."Mr. Steptoe frequently spoke to audiences of children and adults about his work. He was the 1989 winner of the Milner Award, voted by Atlanta schoolchildren for their favorite author. John Steptoe died on August 28, 1989 at Saint Luke's Hospital in Manhattan, following a long illness. He was 38 years old and lived in Brooklyn. Mr. Steptoe was among the small handful of African American artists who have made a career in children's books.