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Little Stevie Wonder
Eleven-year-old Stevland Judkins Morris Hardaway hit the big time when he signed a Motown recording contract. At the age of thirteen, Little Stevie Wonder had millions of fans dancing to the number-one song in the nation.
Little Stevie Wonder is the true story of a boy who lost his sight shortly after birth, grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and became one of the twentieth century’s most creative and influential musicians—an instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, musical innovator, and cultural activist.
Here in Quincy Troupe’s joyful poem and Lisa Cohen’s vibrant art is an uplifting celebration of life, peace, and music.
Little Stevie Wonder is the true story of a boy who lost his sight shortly after birth, grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and became one of the twentieth century’s most creative and influential musicians—an instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, musical innovator, and cultural activist.
Here in Quincy Troupe’s joyful poem and Lisa Cohen’s vibrant art is an uplifting celebration of life, peace, and music.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2005
55 people want to read
About the author
Quincy Troupe
50 books39 followersQuincy Thomas Troupe, Jr. is an American poet, editor, journalist and professor emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, in La Jolla, California. He is best known as the biographer of Miles Davis, the jazz musician.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 5, 2019
Little Stevie Wonder by Quincy Troupe is a colorful account of the early life of musician, Stevie Wonder.
Told through verse, the biography is written to the rhythm of Wonder’s famous song, Isn’t She Lovely. As the story of a blind black boy born to love music is told, the words pop off of the pages in bold colorful letters.
Growing up, young Stevie’s ear for music develops and he is filled with joy. He does not allow his blindness to hinder him from all the enjoyments that other children experience. In fact, Stevie thrives playing with others, learning to play instruments, and joining the church choir.
There is nothing Little Stevie can’t do.
As an adult, he continues to bring joy to others through his music as a recording artist for Motown Records. His music is shared all over the world. Young Stevie Wonder is a rhythmic blend of spirit and love.
The author uses repetition to plant the seed that Stevie Wonder truly is a wonder to the world. The author declares:
“Oh, isn’t he lovely,
This blind black boy born to love everyone,
Who feels and knows everything
Through his fingertips and ears?”
The illustrations by Lisa Cohen are vivid and lively, adding to the jubilant feel of the book. And as an added bonus, included with the book is a music CD featuring two of Stevie Wonder's songs, Fingerprints (Part 2) and Uptight (Everything’s Alright) for readers’ enjoyment.
I would recommend Little Stevie Wonder to young readers, parents, and educators as this book is great for story time.
Told through verse, the biography is written to the rhythm of Wonder’s famous song, Isn’t She Lovely. As the story of a blind black boy born to love music is told, the words pop off of the pages in bold colorful letters.
Growing up, young Stevie’s ear for music develops and he is filled with joy. He does not allow his blindness to hinder him from all the enjoyments that other children experience. In fact, Stevie thrives playing with others, learning to play instruments, and joining the church choir.
There is nothing Little Stevie can’t do.
As an adult, he continues to bring joy to others through his music as a recording artist for Motown Records. His music is shared all over the world. Young Stevie Wonder is a rhythmic blend of spirit and love.
The author uses repetition to plant the seed that Stevie Wonder truly is a wonder to the world. The author declares:
“Oh, isn’t he lovely,
This blind black boy born to love everyone,
Who feels and knows everything
Through his fingertips and ears?”
The illustrations by Lisa Cohen are vivid and lively, adding to the jubilant feel of the book. And as an added bonus, included with the book is a music CD featuring two of Stevie Wonder's songs, Fingerprints (Part 2) and Uptight (Everything’s Alright) for readers’ enjoyment.
I would recommend Little Stevie Wonder to young readers, parents, and educators as this book is great for story time.
April 16, 2020
Review: In this biography, we learn about Stevie Wonder the famous musician. A story about humble beginnings, we see where Stevie was born and how his premature birth caused him to experience defects such as blindness. But, this never stopped him from doing what he loved. One thing he learned to do very well was play many different instruments including the piano, harmonica, and drums. He then took his talents to the streets where he performed for the general public. Once he was discovered, he signed with Motown Records in 1961 when he was 11. Overcoming obstacles became the norm for Stevie, he went on to sell over 100 million records, 25 grammys, and was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. He was never able to read any notes or lyrics, just let his talent guide him. His other accolades include becoming an activist for human rights and in 2009 the United Nations named him a messenger of peace.
Artistic/literary review: The illustrator Lisa Cohen, incorporated vibrant color in this book that really pops and grabs the attention of any reader. We can also see different music notes decorated throughout the book
Rating: After reading this book, I would rate it 5/5 because of its lovely illustration and inspirational real life story. It gives the children a hero to look up to that actually exists. Imagine, instead of having a made up character you now have a real life hero with music to listen to, more stories to hear, and accomplishments to look up to.
Artistic/literary review: The illustrator Lisa Cohen, incorporated vibrant color in this book that really pops and grabs the attention of any reader. We can also see different music notes decorated throughout the book
Rating: After reading this book, I would rate it 5/5 because of its lovely illustration and inspirational real life story. It gives the children a hero to look up to that actually exists. Imagine, instead of having a made up character you now have a real life hero with music to listen to, more stories to hear, and accomplishments to look up to.
March 25, 2021
A love letter to an incredible soul, with great illustrations. I'm here for that.
December 17, 2022
A fun, colorful, introduction to Stevie Wonder. Very basic information, but will introduce a new generation to his music.
May 24, 2025
This is a great way to incorporate "fingertips" and/or "we are the world."
March 11, 2023
This was a cool picture book with some songs from Stevie Wonder.
July 17, 2012
Lexile: N/a, grade interest level: K-2
Genre: Biography and rhyme
Setting: Saginaw, MI
Character: Stevie, his parents
POV: narrator
Little Stevie Wonder paints a vivid picture of the musical journey Stevie embarked on at the young age of 13. It begins with an introduction to Stevie as a young boy who is blind, but who uses the rhythm in his body to snap his fingers, hum to music, and shake his head with the music he listens to. The book tells of how he makes up a beat and keeps going, even when the music stops. It emphasizes that even though some may have viewed him as limited because he couldn't see with his eyes, he was able to use his sense of touch to see through his "seeing-eye fingertips" and through his heart.
Main ideas: I recommend this book because it displays themes of perseverance and passion for one's interest.
Personal reaction/if I would use it: I appreciate the rhythm to the book, with many references to bongo drums, the harmonica, and even his general interests outside of just music. The author uses many metaphors, analogies, and onomonopias to so that the reader can visualize and hear the sounds that came from Stevie's genius.
Genre: Biography and rhyme
Setting: Saginaw, MI
Character: Stevie, his parents
POV: narrator
Little Stevie Wonder paints a vivid picture of the musical journey Stevie embarked on at the young age of 13. It begins with an introduction to Stevie as a young boy who is blind, but who uses the rhythm in his body to snap his fingers, hum to music, and shake his head with the music he listens to. The book tells of how he makes up a beat and keeps going, even when the music stops. It emphasizes that even though some may have viewed him as limited because he couldn't see with his eyes, he was able to use his sense of touch to see through his "seeing-eye fingertips" and through his heart.
Main ideas: I recommend this book because it displays themes of perseverance and passion for one's interest.
Personal reaction/if I would use it: I appreciate the rhythm to the book, with many references to bongo drums, the harmonica, and even his general interests outside of just music. The author uses many metaphors, analogies, and onomonopias to so that the reader can visualize and hear the sounds that came from Stevie's genius.
July 9, 2012
The words and illustrations succeed in allowing readers to feel the joy and peace of Stevie Wonder's music. What I was hoping to get more out of this book, was to learn more about his life and career than I did. This book was more about setting a mood than giving readers information about a person's life.
January 24, 2010
I really liked this book which is a colorful biography all about Stevie Wonder's life. We learn about his childhood and his first big break. The illustrations of this book are amazing! Kids will really enjoy it!
January 26, 2011
I had the opportunity to actually meet Quincy Troupe and to hear him read this book/poem when he came as a visiting writer to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The excitement that he brought to the reading was unforgettable.
April 22, 2010
Cute book to read about the childhood of Stevie Wonder. Students can follow their dreams to become anything they want!
May 13, 2010
Every child's musical eductation should begin with Stevie Wonder. If I've done a single thing right as a parent so far, this would be it.
January 14, 2013
brightly colored different fonts, neon pictures. great prose.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews