Deze auteur schrijft, illustreert en ontwerpt kinderboeken sinds 1996. Zijn werk kenmerkt zich door interesse in vreemde talen en poëzie, wat zich weerspiegelt in zijn unieke stijl. Naast commercieel gepubliceerde boeken houdt hij zich ook bezig met privé letterpress-drukwerk en het creëren van handgemaakte boeken in beperkte oplage. Lezers kunnen zijn onderscheidende benadering van kinderliteratuur en zijn diepere interesse in artistieke vormen waarderen.
James Rumford, himself a world traveler, has retold Ibn Battuta’s story in words and pictures, adding the element of ancient Arab maps—maps as colorful and evocative as a Persian miniature, as intricate and mysterious as a tiled Moroccan wall. Into this arabesque of pictures and maps is woven the story not just of a traveler in a world long gone but of a man on his journey through life.
Recognized as a 2005 Sibert Honor Book, this work stands out for its exceptional contribution to children's literature, particularly in the realm of informational texts. It combines engaging storytelling with rich illustrations, making complex subjects accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The book encourages curiosity and learning, offering a unique perspective that captivates both children and adults alike. Its recognition highlights its quality and impact in educational settings.
Shows how important learning is in a country where only a few children are able to go to school.
Set in 1802, the narrative follows eleven-year-old Jean-Francois Champollion, who dreams of deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Over twenty years, he dedicates himself to this monumental challenge, ultimately uncovering the secrets of the past. James Rumford highlights Champollion's remarkable journey, combining historical ambition with personal fulfillment. The story is beautifully illustrated with stunning watercolors, enhancing the adventure and emotional depth of Champollion's quest to unlock the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
WHEN BOMBS BEGIN TO FALL, Ali drowns out the sound of war with a pen. Like other children living in Baghdad, Ali loves soccer, music and dancing, but most of all, he loves the ancient art of calligraphy. When bombs begin to fall on his city, Ali turns to his pen, writing sweeping and gliding words to the silent music that drowns out the war all around him. Gorgeously illustrated with collage, pencil and charcoal drawings and, of course, exquisite calligraphy, this timely and yet universal story celebrates art and history but also offers young children a way to understand all they see and hear on the news. Silent Music is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
This is the story of a little rain, a blossoming mango and the power of a little boy's imagination. The story is told in words and richly-colored pastels that will take you to a small village in the African country of Chad. There you will feel the heat, taste the cool mango rain and meet a boy named Thomas, whom many readers have already met in James Rumford's RAIN SCHOOL.
Describes how Johann Gutenberg's printing press changed the world and how early books were printed.