Jungle Drums [Hardcover]

Graeme Base (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Best-seller Graeme Base is back with an all-new story filled with hidden pictures on every page!

Little Ngiri is the Smallest Warthog in Africa. Tired of being teased by his bigger brothers and sisters, he wishes things could be different. When Old Nyumbu the Wildebeest gives Ngiri a set of magic drums, he is sure his wish is about to come true. But all the animals of the jungle are in for a BIG surprise as Ngiri's wish is granted in a most unexpected way. In the end, the gentle message that inner beauty and change is more important than outer beauty rings true. In true Graeme Base style, there is an added surprise at the end of the book. Everything seems to be normal in the jungle, but look closely and you will see that none of the animals or the other creatures watching from the trees are quite the way they were when the book began. Look even closer, and you will also find Old Nyumbu the Wildebeest hidden somewhere on every spread. Jungle Drums is a book to be read over and over again. AUTHOR BIO: Graeme Base, while working on Jungle Drums, journeyed with his family to Tanzania, Africa, where they camped in the Serengeti among giraffes, elephants, zebras, and of course warthogs. The trip helped Graeme bring the characters and landscape of the book to life. Graeme lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his artist wife, Robyn, and their three children.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–An oversized book with illustrations that add depth and humor to the text. Ngiri Mdogo (which means "Little Warthog" in Swahili) is teased by the bigger warthogs because of his small size, and because they are jealous of the Other Animals that live across the River and have beautiful spots, stripes, and plumes. When the wise old wildebeest gives the little warthog a set of magic bongo drums that will grant any wish, the angry Other Animals lose their striking markings, while the warthogs look fabulous in gorgeous spots, stripes, and colors. That night, Ngiri Mdogo plays the drums again. When the sun rises, the markings are on the wrong animals, and all of them are unhappy. Again, the little warthog plays the drums, and with the new day, everything is back to normal. The animals celebrate with a Grand Parade and when Ngiri Mdogo plays a solo, everyone is careful not to wish for anything. Base's lush, colorful illustrations capture the richness of jungle life. The appealing creatures are drawn accurately enough for identification, but their facial expressions and physical positions give them personality and humor. To add to the wonderment, Base has included several illustrations with hidden animals for readers to find. A note on Swahili pronunciation is included. This is a visual feast, even if bongo drums are not native to Africa.–Linda Staskus, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. Ngiri Mdogo, the smallest warthog in Africa, turns the tables on both the larger warthogs and the other African animals when he plays music on magic drums. Base, the author of such books as Animalia (1986) and The Waterhole (2001), returns to the jungle and savannah, once again offering his hallmark art and witty text to engage both children and those who read to them. In this book, lushly detailed paintings of long-lashed warthogs, a blushing zebra, a bearded wildebeest, and other creatures invite kids to look closely and often. Children will have a great deal of fun figuring out whose parts belong to whom after Ngiri's drumming causes the animals' features to transfer from one critter to another. An afterword by Base will send everyone back through the pages yet again in search of the wise wildebeest that is hidden in every picture. Most of the time he's relatively easy to spot; occasionally however, kids will need patience and a keen eye to find him. Francisca Goldsmith
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810950448
• ISBN-13: 978-0810950443
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 10.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,996 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Graeme Base is one of the world's leading creators of picture books. His alphabet book, Animalia, received international acclaim when it was first published in 1986 and has sold more than two million copies. Graeme lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Visuals and Fun to Read!, February 8, 2005

By 

JG (El Sobrante, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jungle Drums (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 5 year old and it is one of our favorites. The story is interesting and the pictures are fantastic. A great plus is the fun you and your children will have searching for the hidden wildebeast. They are always easy to find! Great for a gift as well!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of his best!, September 15, 2004

By 

donny "don130" (Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jungle Drums (Hardcover)

Being an artist and art teacher, Graeme Base books are some of my favorite. I purchase every book when it comes out. The great stories, and the fantastic illustrations...and this book is not exception. Some of his best illustrations, and a great story in the ugly duckling realm with a twist or two. Highly suggest for all ages!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Differences, August 25, 2007

By 

KJ (IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jungle Drums (Hardcover)

In a world where there are so many differences it is nice to find literature that can be used to help children learn to accept not only others but themselves. This is a great book to open discussions for children regarding the importance of appreciating and embracing the characteristics and attributes that we have all been given and celebrate our differences rather than fear them or belittle or bully others because of them. An added treasure in the book are trying to locate the hidden and evolving animals as the story evolves. A very gifted writer and artist!