Books with author Diana Reynolds Roome

The American Nutcracker is a magical retelling of the classic Christmas children’s tale with a decidedly American twist. The American Nutcracker combines a story of nutcrackers and dolls come to life with the American log-cabin frontier ethos and the wide diversity of the American experience. A lively plot loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffman original includes a Nutcracker, a Sugar Plum fairy, a real girl looking to put the excitement back into Christmas, and a diversity of dolls who get involved in an adventure that includes Native Americans, magical happenings, and growing up.

For every unique child (even a little dragon like Ember) a ‘blanky’ or a special toy is a source of great comfort. What happens when such a special toy is lost? Likewise, friendship can also be a great comfort and joy - until something goes wrong. Ember finds tools to recover his lost teddy bear and discovers the importance of friends in good times and bad.Diana Reynolds has created a refreshing story about some of the challenges on the path to growing up. Beautifully illustrated, Ember and his new friend the fire sprite, team up to find the lost cuddly and in doing so, test their magical bond.

As little children are often expected to fit with busy adult schedules and appointments, it can be challenging. Often it leads to upsets for parents and children, especially as children are involved in their own events. Ember discovers that there are some things that just can’t be hurried and must take their own time no matter what hurry and pressure is going on. Hurry up Ember is a gentle reminder that childhood is short and full of wonder. Take a big breath and take time to get ready… then ‘hurrying up’ can be much simpler and much far less trouble. Diana Reynolds has created a refreshingly wise story about a point of tension both children and adults experience and offers a solution that works for Ember and his family.

The American Nutcracker is a magical retelling of the classic Christmas children’s tale with a decidedly American twist. The American Nutcracker combines a story of nutcrackers and dolls come to life with the American log-cabin frontier ethos and the wide diversity of the American experience. A lively plot loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffman original includes a Nutcracker, a Sugar Plum fairy, a real girl looking to put the excitement back into Christmas, and a diversity of dolls who get involved in an adventure that includes Native Americans, magical happenings, and growing up.

Rich, spoiled little Sing Lo demands to see the most fabulous sight Peking has to offer — the immense Imperial Elephant. Since the old Emperor died the elephant hasn't slept a wink, and Sing Lo is sure he can cure the animal’s insomnia. He showers the elephant with tempting gifts — sweet buns, a soothing drink, a silk pillow — yet the elephant still can’t sleep, and Sing Lo has nothing more to give. Or does he? This lovely story is enhanced by Jude Daly’s gorgeous, richly hued illustrations, which evoke the splendor of Imperial China.

A story about bedtime ritualsThe imperial elephant, known far and wide as one of the grandest sights in the kingdom, hasn’t been the same since the old Emperor died. One day a rich merchant’s son decides he wishes to see the magnificent animal for himself. What he discovers is that the elephant is having terrible trouble sleeping. Can a spoiled boy who is not used to doing things for others find a way to solve the riddle of the elephant’s insomnia?This soothing story by Diana Reynolds Roome, based on a bedtime tale invented by her father after his travels in the East, is charmingly illustrated by Jude Daly, whose distinctive style has won her admirers around the world.

For every child, learning to write is a long journey where ability and concentration can be thwarted. Ember the dragon is no different; he finds connecting the idea of letters to actually writing them, very difficult. Ember is a lucky little dragon; his granddad has the time and patience to help him learn. A chance meeting with a fire sprite also gives him the confidence to write well about a subject he loves... fire!

Long ago in Peking, a rich, bored young boy named Sing Lo asked his rickshaw driver to show him the Imperial Elephant, who, it was rumored, hadn't slept a wink since the old emperor died. After meeting the elephant, Sing Lo is given a riddle that—if he can solve it—will bring satisfaction to them both. Hace mucho tiempo en Peking, un niño rico y aburrido llamado Sing Lo pidió a su chofer que le enseñara el elefante Imperial—el animal que se decía que no había dormido desde que murió el emperador. Después de conocer al elefante, Sing Lo recibe un acertijo que, si lo puede resolver, les traerá felicidad a los dos.

When a rich, bored young boy asks to see the Imperial Elephant in old Peking, he's just looking for entertainment. He doesn't expect to be asked to solve an enormous problem: the elephant hasn't slept a wink since the old Emperor died, and nobody dares go near him because of his temper. The venerable animal gently conveys a riddle to the boy, who must summon all his ingenuity to solve it. As he completes the tasks to solve the riddle, he finds that helping another brings unexpected happiness and leads to much-needed sleep for both the elephant and himself. Diana Reynolds Roome's tale, strikingly illustrated by Jude Daly, evokes the vanished elegance of ancient China and will strike a chord in all children with their own special bedtime rituals.

Tulliver is a little rabbit who hates washing his face. One day he decides he has had enough and leaves home to live in a burrow under a big oak tree at the far end of the field. When nighttime comes, and Tulliver’s burrow is not finished, a very hungry, muddy, and miserable rabbit settles down to sleep. Perhaps he isn’t ready to leave home after all? Diana Reynolds Roome’s playful text and Susan Winter’s beautiful illustrations make this an ideal book for reading aloud.