The Black Orchid Code

by James Rumford

Jake Ford, an average fifth grader, buys a software package called X-Crypt that promises to decode any message. The software, of course, is bogus, but, unknown to its makers or to Jake at first, it will allow him to tap into the world of plants and find out what they are saying. What he discovers will lead him and Ems—the girl next door—on a quest to change the world before the black orchid blooms and it is too late.Although pure science fiction, The Black Orchid Code, written in 2014, feels as if we are reading today’s news. Although not about the Covid-19 pandemic, the book warns of a similar threat. It talks of the dire consequences of doing nothing when faced with unspeakable danger, of wrapping the truth in lies, and of denying reality. Jake Ford and Ems may just be children, but they represent us all as we battle Covid-19 and prepare for the changes it must bring.James Rumford has written and illustrated over thirty books for children and adults. His books have been translated into more than a half dozen languages and have received numerous awards for excellence in illustration, story, and design.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2020

About the author

I have been writing, illustrating, and designing children's books since 1996. I am on the verge of self-publishing through books that are printed on demand and via the internet. For more on my children's books, see my website: http://www.jamesrumford.com. I also have a blog about writing and illustrating children's books at http://www.calabashcat.blogspot.com. Besides commercially published books, I run a private letter press company and do limited-edition, handmade books. See more at http://www.manoapress.com. I am interested in foreign languages and in poetry. See my blog "Horace et al." at http://www.jasrumford.blogspot.com. I live in Honolulu with my wife.