written and illustrated by James Rumford
This book is a masterpiece. It seamlessly incorporates explanations of book printing in 1450 with amazing illustrations carefully planned and executed to show more than the text alone. The author's biography at the end says Mr. Rumford spent over two years writing and illustrating this book; his dedication and perseverance shine on every page.
I'm excited to share this beautiful book with my children, but more than that, I feel blessed that books like this are still being published for children. In an age of e-books, faster-and-flashier-is-better, and commercialism, Mr. Rumford has created a work of art in a picture book.
I would have found this book eventually as Mr. Rumford's Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing is one of my favorite picture books, but I am very thankful to Ellie at BiblioZealous for bringing it to my attention early enough to include in our history studies this year.
