Children’s Books
The Elephant’s Pillow
By Diana Reynolds Roome, illustrated by Jude Daly
The Imperial Elephant hasn’t slept a wink ever since the old Emperor died. Though Sing Lo has never done anything for anybody before, he decides he wants to help. Armed only with a huge bag of buns and his ingenuity, the boy sets out to solve the riddle of the bedtime drink and to obtain the great yellow pillow that can lead to blissful sleep…
Published in USA by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, ISBN 0-374-32015-2
Published in UK by Frances Lincoln, ISBN 0-7112-1956-7
Also published in Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Korean, Castilian, and Catalan.
“Not only does this satisfying story mirror a familiar bedtime ritual with the child playing the parent’s role, but it also revolves around several elements of keen interest to many youngsters. …Stunning any time, this delightful picture book is especially soothing at bedtime.” School Library Journal, November 2003
“Best Reads for Children”, The Times, May 21, 2003 (London)
“Best Picture Books for Children”, The Daily Telegraph, July 19, 2003 (London)
“Filled with reds that jump into your lap and shades of gold that fill the pages with a richness befitting the imperial settings.” Kirkus Review, October 2003
“The golden tones in the text are brought to life in vibrant paintings of yellows and reds and blues that have an ancient Chinese feeling.”The Elephant’s Pillow” is a beautifully written, soothing bedtime story with museum-quality illustrations.” Debbie Duncan, Palo Alto Weekly, December 2003
“…an excellent message about finding one’s own happiness in helping another.” Booklist
Purchase The Elephant’s Pillow online at Amazon.com.
The Imperial Elephant and Sing Lo want to share their story. Please contact us if you would like to schedule an event at a school, library, bookstore or other place where children gather.
Children’s reading at the American School in London
“This gentle story by Diana Reynolds Roome has the air of an old folktale, with its long ago setting and the cryptic message Sing Lo receives from a temple priest: “Honey above, ginger below, milk between.” But Sing Lo’s transformation from demanding and bored to resourceful and caring is just as timely for a contemporary audience. Acclaimed South African artist Jude Daly infuses her lovely illustrations with a sense of both Eastern delicacy and pops of primary color.” Parents’ Choice Foundation
“Ideal for bedtime and also for stimulating young children’s imaginations…” School Librarian (U.K.)
“Diana Reynolds Roome’s story is simple but profound, and the 4-to-8-year-olds for whom it is intended can learn valuable lessons about kindness and attentiveness from The Elephant’s Pillow. Jude Daly’s warm and accessible illustrations are an inspiration to young readers to try their hands at drawing. This is a wonderful book.” The Asian Reporter
New children’s books have beauty and magic – posted on the Palo Alto Weekly site
A Legend Leaves the Family – an old manuscript found in a family bureau is reborn as a children’s book. posted on mv-voice.com
Riding My Father’s Elephant – posted on siliconmom.com
Tulliver’s Tunnel – available on Amazon.