Railway Jack: The True Story of an Amazing Baboon

by KT Johnston, César Samaniego (Illustrations)

Jim was a South African railway inspector in the late 1800s who lost his legs in an accident while at work. Unable to perform all his tasks with his disability but desperate to keep his job, Jim discovered a brilliant solution, a baboon named Jack. Jim trained Jack to help him both at home and at the depot. But when the railway authorities and the public discovered a monkey on the job, Jack and Jim had to work together to convince everyone that they made a great team. This inspiring true story celebrates the history of service animals and a devoted friendship.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Childrens, Animals, Disability

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2020

About the author

KT Johnston writes historical narrative nonfiction about ordinary animals from the dusty past who had an extraordinary impact on a person’s life, and in the process, left a mark on humanity itself.

Bank Street calls KT’s debut RAILWAY JACK: The True Story of an Amazing Baboon one of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year,” and her second book JUBILEE: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream was selected by the Jr. Library Guild as a Gold Standard in children’s literature.

KT earned a degree in biology and conducted wildlife studies before settling into a more stationary corporate career as an analyst. KT hopes to inspire children to be curious about our world one true story at a time.

▶ Downloadable Reading Guides ◀

Bonus: KT’s Pinterest musings and Facebook feed

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting story! I'd never heard of Jack the baboon or his friend, Jim Wide. I'm glad I got a chance to read this book and find out more about this unique pair.

Jim was a double amputee, and had trouble doing some tasks. When he had the opportunity to buy Jack, an intelligent baboon, he took it, and the two became close friends. Jack started out helping Jim with various tasks in the man's life, but proved to be so intelligent that he was eventually able to be employed by the railway as Jim's official assistant! He listened to and counted the number of train whistles, which indicated how the track needed to be switched... and then he did it himself! People were understandably concerned at first, but when an official was brought in to test Jack's skills, the baboon passed easily. It's said that in all his years of working the switches, he never made a mistake.

I have some conflicted feelings about this from an animal welfare point of view. Jack was worked awfully hard, though it seemed he would've done just about anything for Jim. I noticed the chain that Jack wore in the original photos that are included at the back of the book; it's noticeably absent from the illustrations. (That seems uncomfortably close to sanitizing part of the story.) Animal rights were, of course, viewed very differently in the 1880s than they are today. But I still would've liked to see the depiction of Jack's treatment be as accurate as possible.

There's a nice little note at the end talking about what happened to Jack and Jim, with a few photos. There's also a short discussion about service animals and some information about baboons.

Overall, this is a really strong biographical picture book about a pair of subjects that kids will likely find fascinating. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy non-fiction titles about animals, especially ones who do extraordinary things.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing a digital ARC.

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite non-fiction book for middle graders. It's heavily illustrated in a beautiful way that accentuates the very true story of Railway Jack the baboon. I have to admit, I thought some liberties were taken with the story due to how incredible it is, but the author spent a large amount of time researching and cites his sources. Speaking of which, this is an excellent introduction as to how to do exactly that for children on the cusp of writing papers. It also covers the history of disabled rights, resources, service animals, and the railroad. Thought provoking lesson questions are included. The real photos of Jack at the end are not to be missed!

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is amazing.

[Steff Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

| Read on Reader Fox |


Railway Jack by KT Johnston and illustrated by César Samaniego is such an amazingly inspirational story about a disabled man and the service animal, a monkey called Jack, who changes his life. After losing both of his legs in an accident, Jim struggled to keep up with the daily requirements of his job. He soon gets Jack, a monkey to whom he teaches various aspects of his job that he now finds difficult to complete, such as pulling the levers to change the tracks. As people learn about the monkey working with the railway inspector, concerns arise as to the safety of the situation and so Jim and Jack find themselves having to prove their capabilities and worth.

This was truly a wonderful tale, told and illustrated in the most beautiful of ways. Often I've found that it can be very easy for others to write off those with disabilities as being incapable of certain jobs or activities but Jim and Jack's story puts to bed those sorts of ideas. It was also truly fantastic to see how a service animal can make such an impactful change to the life of someone who is disabled. For Jim, Jack provided him with the ability to continue working in general but also within a job that he loved and had held for years.

The illustrations are exquisite and will do an amazing job of keeping young children engaged in this truly inspiring account. This is the kind of story that I could see myself using at work as I would love to introduce this little piece of history to many of my students. I am exceedingly grateful to have had the opportunity to have read this book and I definitely imagine I will be looking to it in the future.

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great true story about a person who does everything he can to overcome obstacles and situations that could change his life forever. When Jim lost his legs to an accident in the railyard where he worked, he didn't want to lose his job. Desperate to keep working, he had to come up with a solution and he did. He trained a baboon named Jack to do some of the jobs on command. When the railway officials found out about Jack, they almost took Jim's job away, but Jack and Jim worked together to show them what they could do.

This is a non-fiction book for middle-grade students that has some great messages. It deals with not giving up, even when things are against you. It shows that people with disabilities can do whatever they put their minds to as long as they have the necessary supports in place. It also shows how important support animals are in the lives of those who need them. K.T. Johnson produced a very well researched book about a person in history that I had never heard of, but want to know more about now. Once again, this book would be a great source to demonstrate how to research and write a biography for middle-grade students. A great book for public, school and classroom libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of Jim Wide who lost his lower legs in an industrial train accident. However, he still needed to earn a living, and so begged to be able to work. He got a job as a signal man, working the switches, and comes across a trained baboon that he rescues to help him at his job.

He trains the baboon to help him with the switches, and the become a team.







Interesting story of a very early service animal, and how loved he was. The author was amazed at what had been written about Jack, and how there is still an exhibit to him, to this day.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Loved learning about this friendship between a person and a baboon. Didn’t like the typeface- found it annoying and cheapening. Pictures didn’t do much for me either.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique book about an amputee whose smart idea helped a railway worker keep his job. What a unique service animal, a baboon , who this amputee trained to help with his railroad duties! This is a fascinating true story! Loved it! Beautiful illustrations & helpful questions for readers are included!

[JCS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Railway Jack is a true, charming and unlikely story of Jim, a railway guard, and a baboon called Jack. Around 1875 Jim Wide was the railway guard at Uitenhage Station in South Africa. Following a work accident he had to have both his legs amputated. Not one to give up easily he made his own wooden legs and asked to be rehired by the railway authorities. This they did and he became a signalman.
Eventually he bought a baboon who he trained to pull the signal levers amongst many other jobs. They ended up working together for over nine years. A remarkable story, and one I'm sure many children would enjoy reading or to have read to them. It really is great for lots of discussions on determination, animals being mans best friend, companionship.
At the end there is a touching note from the author, a short note about the chacma baboon, a list of service animals, a glossary, discussion questions and an internet resource list.
Thank you to K.T. Johnston, Net Galley and the publisher, Capstone for an ARC.

[Leah Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Railway Jack is a true story about a baboon in South Africa who helped his human Jim as a service animal when Jim lost his legs in an accident. Jim, and Jack looked out and helped one another for years. They were inseparable.

This book showed how amazing the bonds of friendship can be between humans and animals. I found this story to be so incredible and hard to believe.

The images were adorable and the pictures at the end were just fantastic.

[Vonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard this story and what a super cool way to tell younger children about a piece of history. What a wonderful story about an early service animal. Thank you for sharing this story!

[Charlotte Lisbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digital Arc via Netgalley. This story was cute and heartwarming. The Illustration were beautiful and real life pictures educational. More detailed review to follow upon publication

[Lisa Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly incredible story about a brilliant baboon and a persistent man named Jim who found a way to continue working after he lost both legs.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and this one was definitely a story that I had never heard before. Back in the late 1800s in South Africa, a man named Jim lost his legs in an accident while working on train track repairs. He still needed to work, so he was trained to be a signalman, moving trains to their proper tracks. One day, he comes across a man who had a baboon as an assistant, and strikes a deal to purchase Jack. What follows is an amazing story of how Jack the baboon becomes an imperative service animal and helper to Jim. It is truly incredible what this baboon was able to learn how to do. And the deep friendship and connection between Jim and Jack is beautiful. I'm so glad to have learned a new story.

Following the story, the author talks about how she went about researching the story, which I appreciate as a teacher. The history buff in me loves the real photographs of the real Jim and Jack. Then there is a section that gets into more educational aspects, such as a description of primates, a history of service animals, a glossary of terms, and a list of internet resources for further exploration. Discussion questions can be used in the classroom, or for fun for the independent reader who may like to think about what he has just read. I think it would definitely make a great addition to a classroom library and could lead to all kinds of research projects. I give it 4 1/2 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

After railway guard Jim Wide was injured and his legs were amputated, he met a smart baboon named Jack who he thought might be able to help him to continue to work. Jim and Jack became fast friends. Jack was loyal, clever, and observant. Before long, Jack learned how to count train whistles and pull the correct switch levers to direct trains to their destinations. The railway even paid Jack a “wage” of vegetables and fruit! People from all over rode trains to see the famous baboon.

My eight-year-old daughter was completely glued to this fascinating nonfiction picture book. The thorough back matter includes an author’s note, photos of Jim and Jack, a history of service animals, and a reader’s guide. RAILWAY JACK: THE TRUE STORY OF AN AMAZING BABOON is an especially excellent book for schools and libraries.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat corner of history -- a railway man who lost his legs below the knee trains up a baboon as a service animal. They become famous as Jack learns to do most of the work as a signalman, pushing levers to change train directions (switches).

The realistic pictures are interesting and the words tell the story well. The backmatter has as essay by the author describing the process of finding and selecting information and the eventual fate of Jack the baboon (and Jim), original photos of Jack and his owner Jim and their station, more recent pictures of baboons, a bibliography showing both secondary and primary sources, and further directions for people curious about trains, service animals, or just wild animals in captivity.

I do wonder about writing a book that takes place in South Africa and having only white people in the illustrations. It seems a large omission.

[Adam Blackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating true story of an amputee and his service animal. Set in 1880's South Africa, this is the story of Jim, a railroad worker who's lost his legs and is struggling to make it through his work days. When he spots and trades for Jack, a baboon with a remarkable ability to learn and inclination to assist, a local legend is born: a baboon trained to operate railroad switches as well as assisting his person to get around and get by.

The tender relationship and informative back matter will make this one an especially a great asset to classrooms, leading to discussions about disabilities and human/animal relationships.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative nonfiction book tells the story of a South African railroad worker and his service animal--a baboon named Jack! Generously illustrated with paintings and actual photographs, this amazing true story from the late 1800's tells of Jack's service not only to his owner, but also to the South African Railway.
Tie-in with language arts--narrative nonfiction unit,
continent study--Africa,
history of railroads,
differently-abled persons,
overcoming adversity,
comparison with other books about service animals--Tuesday Tucks Me In, Rescue and Jessica.
Recommended for middle through upper elementary readers.

[Emma Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction picture book, about a baboon who became a devoted service animal and friend to a railway worker who had lost his legs, is a real winner. The details of the story--how Jack the baboon basically learned how to listen and look for cues to pull the correct levers to switch track for trains coming into and leaving the station--are quite incredible. And the tender relationship between the man and his baboon is very moving. Excellent back matter (including photos) will appeal to kids who like facts and to dig deeper. A must read for animal lovers and history buffs!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this intriguing bit of history, K.T. Johnston and Cesar Samaniego tell the story of a baboon named Jack who worked side-by-side with Jim, a railway worker in S. Africa who had lost both his legs due to an accident in the late 1800s. Jim was innovative and found clever ways to aid his mobility and keep up with his rail job. But when he acquired Jack, a quick-learning baboon who was eager to please, Jim found a partner, a helper, and a friend. Photographs of Jim and Jack make for fascinating back-matter.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating tale of a special bond between a Jim (a human) and Jack (a baboon) perfect for any animal-loving kid. When Jim loses his legs and becomes disabled, he comes up with ingenious solutions that allow him to do his work. Eventually, he has the best idea of all -- partnering with Jack, a baboon he trains who performs many jobs at the railyard. This is an engaging true story focused on a special human/animal relationship.

[Kirstie Myvett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Railway Jack tells the true story of a friendship between a service baboon and railway signalman. The author does a great job of explaining the ins and outs of the railway and the importance of work for Jim and how Jack made it all possible. The illustrations are beautiful with an author’s note, definitions and questions at the end. I especially enjoyed the black and white photos of the real Jim and Jack. This book is a great addition to your nonfiction collection.

[Annette Schottenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will fall in love with Jack, a bright baboon who becomes more than a service animal to railway guard Jim Wilde. Based on actual events, Railway Jack is brought to life by KT Johnston’s beautifully written story. Children and adults will be captivated by this unlikely pair and learn many historical facts. Cesar Samaniego’s illustrations capture the emotions of Jack and Jim, and details of the time period. This is a must read!

[Lizzy Hartwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating tale of a special bond between a Jim (a human) and Jack (a baboon) perfect for any animal-loving kid. When Jim loses his legs and becomes disabled, he comes up with ingenious solutions that allow him to do his work. Eventually, he has the best idea of all -- partnering with Jack, a baboon he trains who performs many jobs at the railyard. This is an engaging true story focused on a special human/animal relationship.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this fascinating new picture book for the older end of the picture book crowd. It is the story of Jim, a railway inspector in the late 1800s who lost his legs during a work accident. After the accident, Jim bought a baboon named Jack to help him work. This book is the story of their life together and of their heartwarming friendship.

[Carolyn]

A fascinating story from author KT Johnson about a baboon who learned how to switch rail lines at a signal station in South Africa. Told from the perspective of his handler Jim, Johnson weaves this narrative tale sprinkled with humor and the sweet, tender moments between an animal and his human as they took care of each other. Great book for lovers of animals and humankind.

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book. This book has a little more text than other picture book biographies, so younger kids might not be as engaged, but this man's life is amazing, and readers will be hooked by his story. It's an easy way to start a discussion on physical disabilities. There are a bunch of photos of Jack and Jim in the back.

[Jennifer Buchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book really makes history fun! I never would have heard about a baboon working on the tracks if it wasn't for this charming tale. Great read and animal lovers & train fans will love it equally!

[Quinn Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books was a delightful story about a baboon that acted as a service animal for a railroad worker in South Africa. It is a true story and can be a good representation for children with service animals.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story of an amazing baboon named Jack and his human named Jim Wide is a wonderful tale of overcoming obstacles and being creative and adaptable.