New Releases by John Steptoe

Unique word pictures of how it feels to be young and growing.

"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.

Mufaro was a happy man. Everyone agreed that his two daughters were very beautiful. Nyasha was kind and considerate as well as beautiful, but everyone -- except Mufaro -- knew that Manyara was selfish, badtempered, and spoiled. When the king decided to take a wife and invited "The Most Worthy and Beautiful Daughters in the Land" to appear before him, Mufaro declared proudly that only the king could choose between Nyasha and Manyara. Manyara, of course, didn''t agree, and set out to make certain that she would be chosen. John Steptoe has created a memorable modem fable of pride going before a fall, in keeping with the moral of the folktale that was his inspiration. He has illustrated it with stunning paintings that glow with the beauty, warmth, and internal vision of the land and people of his ancestors.

An African-American child resents and then misses a little foster brother. One day my momma told me, "You know you''re gonna have a little friend come stay with you." And I said, "Who is it?" and "For how long?" That''s when Stevie moved in with his crybaby self. He played with my toys and broke them, and he left dirty footprints all over my bed. But then Stevie left again, and I missed him. I missed playing Cowboys and Indians on the stoop and watching cartoons in the morning. Maybe. . .just maybe, Stevie wasn''t so bad after all. Notable Children''s Books of 1940–1970 (ALA) "Best of the Best" Children''s Books 1966–1978 (SLJ) 1978 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award Society of Illustrators Gold Medal Children''s Books of 1969 (Library of Congress) Children''s Books of the Year 1969 (CSA) Black Americans – Minority Groups List (BL) Notable Books for the Portrayal of the Black in Children''s Literature (Top of the News) Select Children''s Books of 1969 (Publishers Weekly) Brooklyn Art Books for Children 1974

Bweela and Javaka relate the incidents that make Daddy a monster in their eyes. It happens when they don''t want to go to bed or when they want to be messy, or when they don''t eat politely in restaurants.

A bear who is bored with school gains a new appreciation of his teacher after he falls asleep and dreams that he is the teacher.

A child whose parents left America to settle in Africa celebrates his eighth birthday with all the people of the community in which he was first-born.