Since his publication of
Stevie, John Steptoe illustrated 15 more picture books, 10 of which he also wrote. The American Library Association named
The Jumping Mouse in 1985 and
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters in 1988 Caldecott Honor Books, a prestigious award for children’s book illustrations. Steptoe also received the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration for both
Mother Crocodile in 1982 and
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters. While all of Steptoe’s works deals with the African American experience,
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters was widely praised by reviewers and critics as a breakthrough of African history and culture. Based on an African tale from the 19th century, it required Steptoe to research his heritage giving him the chance to awaken his pride in his African ancestry. John Steptoe hoped that his books would lead African American children to feel pride in their origins as well.
Caldecott Honors for Illustration
- 1985 Story of Jumping Mouse-A Native American Legend
- 1988 Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration
- 1982 Mother Crocodile
- 1988 Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters