"An homage that is ultimately more a testament to the author-illustrator's own bookmaking skills than paean to the inventor of movable type. (epilogue, key search terms) (Picture books/biography. 7-10)"
Ironically, this book honors the inventor of the printing press more through illustrations than words.
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"Opening and closing pages of flower paintings contributed by friends, family and associates (some of them familiar names) wrap this terse and lovely tribute to a veteran writer and illustrator whose works no self-respecting library should be without. (Picture book. 5-7)"
A crisp envoi from the late Alexander celebrates creativity in children while delivering a pointed message to prescriptive grown-ups.
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"If it's a little short on story and none too subtle, it is nevertheless a lovely offering that provides a glimpse into a culture we need to understand. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-10)"
A boy's ingenuous voice introduces American readers to the beauty and discipline of Arabic calligraphy in this mood piece set in Baghdad.
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"The Sequoyah syllabary and a timeline round out the package. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-8)"
This simply told tale imagines a parent addressing a child among the Giant Sequoias of California, moving in stately fashion from the trees to the Cherokee genius who invented a written language for his people.
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"This sequel to The Island-Below-the-Star (1998) will interest readers who enjoy the historical aspect of literary folk literature. (Picture book. 5-10)"
While exploring the Hawaiian Islands, five Polynesian brothers are intrigued by the new and wonderful creatures and plants they find.
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"The author of Traveling Man (2001) and other tales, in which the journey is more meaningful than the destination, will gain a host of younger fans with this feline odyssey. (Picture book. 6-8)"
Setting off down a road to find the world's end, a cat not only discovers that it's not what he supposes, but not what anyone he meets—with one final exception—supposes, either.
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"The attention and devotion each character expresses in selecting the gift are echoed in Rumford's own careful choices in the creation of this thoughtful work. (Picture book. 5-10)"
Selecting the perfect birthday gift can be a daunting task; selecting a gift for the raja-king is a greater challenge for nine animal friends heading to the royal celebration.
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"To thus state as fact what one later reveals as a personal hypothesis makes for a straightforward text, but does not ultimately treat honestly with one's readership. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9)"
When Cadmus came to Greece from Phoenicia and founded Thebes, he brought with him the Phoenician alphabet.
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"Handsome, veracious watercolors and an exemplary author's note on Polynesian exploration round out this dramatic tale of high hopes, wayfinding, and lives tuned to the music of the spheres. (Picture book. 4-8)"
This excellent piece of historical fiction follows in the footsteps of Rumford's Cloudmakers (1996): a well-paced, engrossing story that is freighted with all sorts of fascinating nuggets of information from times long past.
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When Young Wu, a young Chinese boy, and his grandfather are captured by invading Arabs, they win their freedom by promising their captor, the Sultan of Samarkand, that the old man can ``make clouds.'' They are given seven days to produce this miracle, pounding their soaked hemp shoes into fiber, using wood ash and hot water, then drying the solution they've made on a frame made out of the grandfather's cane and a worn sack.
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