About the Author:
Master storyteller James Rumford combines his love for art and history in his picture books. Each of his books is vastly different in its content, design, and illustrations but one aspect remains constant throughout his work: his passion about his subjects. Rumford, a resident of Hawaii, has studied more than a dozen languages and worked in the Peace Corps, where he traveled to Africa, Asia, and Afghanistan. He draws from these experiences and the history of his subject when he is working on a book. His book Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing was a 2005 Sibert Honor winner.
From School Library Journal:
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Nine animals are on their way to the raja-king's birthday party and each guest wants to bring the perfect gift. Monkey is proud of his "cloudlike loaf of bread" until he meets Rhino, who scoffs at it, and Monkey, suddenly ashamed, throws it into the river. As the journey continues, each animal feels its own offering is small and inappropriate compared to the next-Camel brings three almond cakes, Rabbit brings four sugar cones, Cow brings five lotus flowers, etc.-and throws it away in embarrassment and humiliation. The lines of text follow the trail of the discarded presents and the creatures that enjoy them. When Peacock carelessly flaunts his nine gold coins, the pouch opens and the contents fall into a well. The guests arrive at the palace empty-handed, but are reassured by their host that their offering of friendship and the retelling of the story of "the well that swallowed their pride" are the best presents. The rich, jewel-toned illustrations are framed by European, North African, Arabic, and Indian numerals on the side and are placed on handmade Indian paper decorated with flowers. An endnote explains how the numbers we use originated in India. A captivating fable and an effective counting book.
Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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