Books by James Rumford
Read To Me International is honored to have hosted James Rumford at the 2009 RTM Biennial Conference, "Open a Book, Open the World," as one of two featured national authors. Here are some of his books:
A thoughtful interpretation on how papermaking spread throughout the world.
Seeker of KnowledgeA simple story of a man's journey that could only begin with a full understanding of his language.
Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354
The tale of a traveling man and his need to explore beyond the conventions and borders he's used to.
There's a Monster in the Alphabet
This adaptation of the ancient greek myth of Cadmus is layered with meaningful illustrations.
Calabash Cat and His Amazing Journey
A Chadian cat goes on a journey to find the end of the world with the help of a variety of animals and in the process learns a very valuable lesson.
Nine Animals and the WellNine friends realize that the best gift they can give is that of humilty and friendship.
Dog-of-the-Sea-WavesThrough the use of watercolors James Rumford captures the essence of Hawaii and shows the respect and appreciation the kama'aina have for all things Hawaiian.
Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing
In creating a written language for his people one man changed the history of tribe and nation.
Don't Touch My HatTaking us back to the old west. Sheriff John keeps the peace with his good luck hat. Or is his hat really good luck?
Beowulf: A Hero's Tale RetoldRestricting himself to the words currently in use of Anglo-Saxon origin, James Rumford proves that with a strong knowledge of words one can do anything well.
Surrounded by the sounds of battle, one child has found a lyricism in language and proves how the pen can indeed be mightier than the sword.
Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's JourneyRichly illustrated, James Rumford's book, emulates a time of luxury and decadence while telling the bittersweet tale of Tweega, a Qilin and omen of good fortune that lives out its days in captivity.
About the Author
Award-winning author/illustrator James Rumford combines his love for writing, art and history in his picture books. Although each of his books differs widely in its content, design, and illustrations, two aspects remain constant throughout his works: his passion about his subjects and his careful attention to details. His books offer more than story; they provide readers with an experience.
James Rumford has worked in the Peace Corps, where he traveled to Africa, Asia, and Afghanistan. He often draws from these experiences and the history of his subject when working on a book. Rumford has studied and is fluent in more than a dozen languages; if ever there were a Renaissance man of children's literature, Rumford fits that bill.His books, published nationally as well as internationally, deal with a variety of topics--from stories of Hawai'i nei to tales from distant lands.
A prolific writer, Rumford is the author-illustrator of Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing, a 2005 Sibert Honor Book; Calabash Cat and His Amazing Journey; Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta 1325-1354; and There's a Monster in the Alphabet, to name a few. His latest title is Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey.
James Rumford lives in Mānoa Valley with his lovely wife Carol, one cat, and many uninvited geckos. When he's not getting his fingers dirty with ink in printmaking classes and creating one-of-a-kind books in his studio called Mānoa Press, he indulges in carpentry, making windows, doors and cabinets for his house.