Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness

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.

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.