John Steptoe facts for kids

John Steptoe (born September 14, 1950 – died August 28, 1989) was a talented author and artist. He created many wonderful children's books. His stories often shared important parts of the African-American experience.

He is most famous for his book Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters. This book was special because it helped share African history and culture with many readers.

Early Life and Art Training

John Steptoe grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He loved to draw from a very young age. He went to the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan to learn more about art.

He also studied at the Vermont Academy. There, he learned from famous artists like the sculptor John Torres and the painter William Mayors.

A Career in Children's Books

Steptoe started writing and illustrating his first picture book, Stevie, when he was only 16 years old. The book was published three years later and received great reviews.

Stevie even appeared in Life magazine, which is a very famous publication. The magazine praised it as "a new kind of book for black children."

After Stevie, John Steptoe illustrated 15 more picture books. He also wrote 10 of those books himself.

Award-Winning Books

Many of Steptoe's books won important awards. The American Library Association honored two of his books as Caldecott Honor Books. This award is very important for children's book illustrations.

• In 1985, Story of Jumping Mouse-A Native American Legend received a Caldecott Honor.
• In 1988, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters also received a Caldecott Honor.

Steptoe also won the Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations. This award celebrates African-American authors and illustrators.

• In 1982, he won for Mother Crocodile (written by Rosa Guy).
• In 1988, he won again for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

While all of Steptoe’s books explored the African-American experience, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters was especially praised. It was seen as a big step forward for sharing African history and culture.

This book was based on an old African tale from the 1800s. To create it, Steptoe researched his own heritage. This research helped him feel even more proud of his African roots. John Steptoe hoped his books would help other African-American children feel proud of their origins too.

His Family

John Steptoe had two children. His daughter, Bweela, was a model for many of his books, including Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters.

His son, Javaka Steptoe, also became a children's book author and illustrator. Javaka even won the Caldecott Medal in 2017 for his book Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Legacy

John Steptoe passed away on August 28, 1989, at Saint Lukes Hospital in Manhattan. He was 38 years old.

When he passed away, Steptoe was one of the few African-American artists who had a full career creating children’s literature. After his death, the American Library Association created the John Steptoe Award for New Talent. This award celebrates new and excellent authors and illustrators in children's books.