Picture a cartoonist-turned-author who swapped newsrooms for middle-school bleachers, spinning tales that make kids laugh out loud—meet Steve Moore! This American storyteller, best known for his 'King of the Bench' series, blends slapstick humor with heartfelt underdog stories, capturing the chaos and charm of school sports. From syndicated comics to children’s novels, Moore’s wit and doodles have won over young readers with a knack for relatability.
The Making of Steve Moore
Born in La Canada Flintridge, California, Steve Moore grew up with a pencil in hand, influenced by his father, Bob, and cartooning legends like Gary Larson and Charles Addams. After earning a degree from Oregon State University and a master’s in Journalism & Communications from the University of Oregon, Moore dove into journalism, eventually becoming an Executive News Editor at The Los Angeles Times. But his heart was in humor. In 1985, he launched 'In the Bleachers,' a syndicated comic strip that tickled funny bones in newspapers worldwide, setting the stage for his storytelling career.
Steve Moore’s Unforgettable Stories
Moore’s leap from comics to novels birthed the 'King of the Bench' series, a four-book adventure published by HarperCollins, starting with 'No Fear!' in 2017. This series follows Steve, a self-proclaimed 'King of the Bench,' navigating middle-school sports with his pals Joey and Carlos, and star athlete Becky O’Callahan. Each book—'No Fear!' (baseball), 'Control Freak' (football), 'Kicking & Screaming' (soccer), and 'Comeback Kid' (basketball)—is packed with Moore’s signature 'deadpan frantic' voice, scribbly cartoons, and themes of teamwork and resilience. His earlier work, like the 1989 collection 'Born in the Bleachers: Sports Cartoons,' showcased his knack for sports humor, while films like 'Open Season' and 'Alpha & Omega,' where he served as creator and writer, proved his storytelling versatility. Moore’s style is a winning mix: goofy, relatable, and never mocking, perfect for fans of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid.'
His narratives shine with authentic schoolyard vibes, from dodging fastballs to mastering secret game-changing rituals. Moore’s illustrations—think googly-eyed characters and sight gags—add a visual punch, making his books a hit with reluctant readers and sports lovers alike.
Why Steve Moore Matters
Steve Moore’s impact lies in his ability to make every kid feel like a champion, even from the sidelines. His 'King of the Bench' series resonates with young readers, offering a humorous lens on sports, friendship, and overcoming fears, like Steve’s 'bean-o-phobia' in 'No Fear!'. Critically acclaimed, the series has been praised for its fresh take on the underdog trope, earning a loyal following among middle-graders. Beyond books, Moore’s work in animation and comics has left a mark on pop culture, blending humor with heart. Despite retiring from cartooning in 2017 due to Essential Tremor, his legacy endures through stories that inspire laughter and courage.
- Born: La Canada Flintridge, California
- Key Works: 'King of the Bench' series, 'In the Bleachers,' 'Open Season,' 'Alpha & Omega'
- Notable Role: Professor of the Practice at Boise State University (2014)
Snag 'No Fear!' and dive into Steve Moore’s hilarious world of benchwarmers and big dreams!