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Books by James Rumford | Wonderlit

Books by James Rumford

11 books · Ages 4–12

Known for the The Island-Below-the-Star series, James Rumford writes picture books and middle grade for ages 4–12, alongside 10 standalone books, exploring themes of history, resilience & perseverance, celebrating heritage.

Series

Dog-of-the-Sea-Waves

The Island-Below-the-Star

1 book · Ages 5–10

Standalone Books (Ages 8–11)

Cover of Nine Animals and the Well

Nine Animals and the Well

Nine animals trek across ancient India to bring gifts to a king's birthday party, revealing the fascinating history behi

Cover of Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

As bombs fall on Baghdad, young Ali finds a quiet refuge in the sweeping, gliding strokes of calligraphy, creating art t

Cover of From the Good Mountain: How Gutenberg Changed the World

By Age Range

Nine Animals and the Well

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

From the Good Mountain: How Gutenberg Changed the World

Nine Animals and the Well

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

Common Themes

History Resilience & Perseverance Celebrating Heritage Adventure Art & Creativity Writing & Storytelling Curiosity & Wonder Pride & Accomplishment

From the Good Mountain: How Gutenberg Changed the World

James Rumford

For the curious child who wonders how everyday objects are made, this riddle-filled journey reveals the natural origins

Ages 6–10

Cover of Beowulf

Enter the world of Old English legend where a powerful hero faces monsters and dragons in this classic epic of bravery a

Cover of Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold

Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold

The legendary warrior Beowulf battles the terrifying Grendel and a fierce dragon in this richly illustrated retelling of

Cover of Rain School

For the child learning about the value of education and hard work, even when things don't last. A moving look at how com

Cover of Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing

Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing

Sequoyah revolutionized Cherokee culture by creating a brand new writing system, allowing his people to share their stor

Cover of Calabash Cat and His Amazing Journey

Calabash Cat and His Amazing Journey

For the child who asks big questions about the horizon. This visually striking tale uses West African inspired art to ex

Cover of Tiger and Turtle

Tiger and Turtle

For children learning that some things are more beautiful when shared, this rhythmic fable shows how fighting over a pri

Cover of Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354

Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354

Follow a young man across 75,000 miles of the ancient world through maps and calligraphy that trace his epic 14th-centur

From the Good Mountain: How Gutenberg Changed the World

Beowulf

Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold

If Your Family Loves James Rumford, Also Try

Can't Scare Me!

Can't Scare Me!

Matthew Henson: Arctic Adventurer

Matthew Henson: Arctic Adventurer

To the Top of the World: Barbara Hillary, the First Black Woman to Reach the North and South Poles

Deborah Blumenthal

To the Top of the World: Barbara Hillary, the First Black Woman to Reach the North and South Poles

Famous Women

Richard Dungworth

African Princess The Amazing Lives of Africa's Royal Women

African Princess The Amazing Lives of Africa's Royal Women