Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness - Hardcover

Donna Janell Bowman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1620141485 ISBN 13: 9781620141489

Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 2016

Synopsis

A biography of William "Doc" Key, a formerly enslaved man and self-trained veterinarian who taught his horse, Jim, to read, write, and do math, and who together with Jim became a famous traveling performance act and proponent for the humane treatment of animals around the turn of the twentieth century.

William "Doc" Key had a special way with animals. Growing up enslaved in Tennessee, Doc was sent to plantations around the state to care for sick and wounded animals. When the Civil War ended and Doc was freed, he began to dream of breeding a winning racehorse. But those dreams were dashed when his colt was born weak and sickly. Although many people would have euthanized the colt, Doc nursed him back to health and named him Jim.

Noticing a level of curiosity and eagerness in the horse, Doc began teaching Beautiful Jim Key first to recognize letters, then to read, write, add, subtract, and more. Doc soon took his talented horse on the road, spreading a message of patience and kindness, over cruelty, to all animals.

With striking illustrations by Daniel Minter, Step Right Up is the inspiring story of one man and one horse who showed the world the power of kindness.

This biography explores Common Core English Language Arts Standards and Social Studies Standards.

About this title

About the Author

DONNA JANELL BOWMAN grew up on a Texas ranch where she cultivated a love for animals, especially horses. She was first inspired to research the story of Beautiful Jim Key and Dr. William Key after learning about the duo in 2005. She was so moved by Doc's perseverance against all odds, Jim's remarkable skills, and the overall message about kindness, she determined to share the story with young readers. Bowman lives in Texas with her family and their rescued pets. This is her first picture book.

From the Back Cover

"Once in a blue moon you come across a story that is so unbelievable--seemingly impossible to make up--that it has to be true. That's just what we find in the deeply inspiring duo, Wiliam "Doc" Key and Beautiful Jim Key. Their relationship speaks to the tremendous power of the human-animal bond. Step Right Up tells a truly remarkable tale steeped in history, humor, curiosity, and humanity. A must read for any age."
--Carolyn Merino Mullin, founder and executive director,
Museum of Animals / The Animal Museum

Reviews

Gr 2–6—A profile of William "Doc" Key and his relationship with animals, specifically his skilled horse Jim. Key was born a slave in Shelbyville, TN, in the 1830s. After the Civil War, he stayed in Shelbyville and built a veterinary where he sold his homemade remedies, and became very successful. Referred to as "Doc" Key, he traveled extensively while pursuing various entrepreneurial goals. Key eventually trained a clumsy colt named Jim to amaze audiences with his uncanny ability to spell and do math. He donated portions of his proceeds to humane societies and was instrumental in raising awareness for the compassionate treatment of animals. Minter's linoleum block prints, painted with acrylic, add the perfect historic feel to an incredible true story. The extensive back matter will be useful for student reports. VERDICT A solid purchase for most collections with an interest in biographies and animal rights.—Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Library, SC

Edition details

• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1620141485
• ISBN 13: 9781620141489
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Daniel Minter
• Number of pages: 48