The Story of Jumping Mouse [Hardcover]

John Steptoe (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 1984 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Based on a Native American legend, this is the tale of a compassionate, courageous mouse who journeys to a far-off land and becomes a magnificent soaring eagle. "Beautifully written and illustrated."--School Library Journal.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

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.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (March 13, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688019021
• ISBN-13: 978-0688019020
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,184,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More for adults, November 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Story of Jumping Mouse (Paperback)

I'm a teacher and I have read this book with great personal enthusiasm to lots of kids, and I have to tell you that they are not all that enamoured with it. It is a story with a deep meaning that kids usually don't "get" and are not necessarily ready for at a young age. The subtle plot and pictures doen't seem to hold younger kid's interest and attention. Now, having said that, I absolutely love this book and find that many adults do too. I was first introduced to the "Jumping Mouse" story in my twenties, (20 years ago), and it literally changed my life. It is a very moving tale about spiritual seeking and spiritual growth, really about life's journey itself. The illustrations in this book are unique and gorgeous. A nice book to give as a gift to friends who are spiritually oriented and like Native American perspectives. Some kids may like the book, especailly those who are interested in the themes presented. Could be used as a teaching book for kids and adults in a spiritual setting, but I don't recommend it as a fun kids' read-aloud.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving and Powerful, April 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Story of Jumping Mouse (Hardcover)

A neighbor gave me this book to read, because she knew I loved childrens books. It gave me goosebumps; I had to call my mother and read it to her.

This book is about persevering in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, about the power of dreaming and the power of faith and the power of effort. It is an incredible adaptation of Native Americans belief and ways. I give copies of this book to everyone whom I love: child or adult.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This magical story of courage and faith is unfogetable., July 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Story of Jumping Mouse (Hardcover)

This is a book that children will adore but which grownups will keep in their heart forever. We all aspire to pursue our goals with such innocence & strength as did Jumping Mouse; we all hope we are the heart-guided friend he was time after time and that our passion for such selflessness will be so richly rewarded