Exciting News!
A New Picture Book by KT Johnston
written for all ages, including readers 8-12
published by Capstone Editions
“RAILWAY JACK is a human story, a story of resilience, a story of a dependent relationship, the human/animal connection, and most of all, a story of great friendship.”
—Kevin Kling, author, storyteller and playwright
(www.kevinkling.com)
Well, monkey. Have I just bought myself more trouble?”
RAILWAY JACK is the true story of the remarkable partnership between a railwayman and a baboon in 1880s South Africa.
When Jim Wide lost his legs in an accident, he had to find clever ways to get around and perform his work. He obtained a very unusual, and very smart, helper: a baboon named Jack. But not everyone was happy to see a baboon at the rail yard signal hut, and Jim was fired. He pleaded with the authorities to give Jack a chance and they agreed to a test. But what about a monkey’s monkey business?? Jim and Jack’s futures lay in the hands—er, opposable thumbs—of a baboon!
RAILWAY JACK should entertain and enlighten readers of any age, and provides several topics of conversation for young people and their adults.
Railway Jack
I like to tell little-known tales from the past; stories about special animals who positively impacted the lives of everyday people, and in doing so, made a mark on history—and in a way, on humanity itself.
Jack was exactly that.
—KT
© Capstone Editions
Available for Preorder
Releasing Feb. 1, 2020
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Clippings
& Pins
I love to be mind-blown and heart-torn.
Current favorite author: Yann Martel
Current favorite movie: A Street Cat Named Bob
About KT
KT Johnston writes historical narrative nonfiction. KT’s interest in the past developed from a sweeping curiosity about the way things were and how history has impacted the way things are. She enjoys feeding her interests by traveling, whether she’s touring a historical site, experiencing a foreign land, or being transported by a good book. Curiosity, the magic of imagining, and the treasure of uncovering untold tidbits from time drive her literary inspiration…and usually there’s a special animal involved.
KT was born in Minnesota. She earned a degree in biology and conducted wildlife behavior studies for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana and the research department at the Minnesota Zoo. She also researched and developed materials for the zoo’s education department. When she married, KT switched to a more settled corporate career, and for the next phase of life, she and her husband raised two children—and several litters of Curly-coated retrievers. Competing in the show ring, field events and obedience trials was a family hobby.
KT lives in Minneapolis, where the four-legged members of her family have always been special. She hopes to inspire others to be curious about our world as well, one true story at a time.