The Sign of the Seahorse: A Tale of Greed and High Adventure in Two Acts [Hardcover]

Graeme Base (Author)

Book Description

Beginning at the Seahorse Cafe, social hub of the Old Reef, this novel takes the reader on a journey, from the doomed coral gardens of Reeftown, to a wreck and an underwater junkyard, across the expanse of the Withered Plain.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Perfect scansion and witty rhymes blend to create a comic saga of Brobdingnagian proportions. Likewise, the dynamic, radiantly colored illustrations are jam-packed with droll underwater details," said PW. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up-- As in Animalia (1987), Base will surely delight his many fans with this latest high-color, high-action, high-density composition. Instead of an Eleventh Hour (1990, both Abrams) mystery, Seahorse features high adventure, romance, and intrigue, redeemed by a high-minded ecological message. The theme is not as deep as the underwater setting--a coral reef poisoned by pollution--where the all-fish-and-crustacean cast pits a villain, Gropmund Grouper, (responsible for the toxic waste) against Pearl Trout; her brother Finn; and her true love, Corporal Bert of the Soldiercrab Army. Godfather-like Gropmund spawns a nefarious scheme to defraud the reef's inhabitants while destroying their environment, but he and his ``henchfish'' are finally routed by Pearl and Finn's steadfastness (aided by Combat Lobster 46903). Copious light-verse couplets and suitably melodramatic diction convey the fishy plot of this politically correct entertainment. ``Base-ic'' instinct will lure young readers through the bright pages, even if the subpoetic text proves a sinker for some. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 44 pages
• Publisher: Abradale/Abrams (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810981548
• ISBN-13: 978-0810981546
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 10.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,924,149 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

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the books I remember best from my childhood, August 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Sign of the Seahorse (Hardcover)

When I was young my mother was a pre-school teacher so we always had a lot of children's books, but The Sign of The Seahorse was always one of my favorites.

When too young to appreciate the long and somewhat advanced details of the story, I still loved it for the sing-songy sound of the verse, the wonderfully intricate and often personified illustrations, and best of all: searching the jampacket pages for the tiny sign of the seahorse hidden on each page (which I'm surprised no one has metioned yet!). As I got older and was able to read and better understand the story itself I loved it even more for that. It's the kind of book that a child can appreciate more and more as he/she grows, even if it isn't all appreciated initially.

I'm half-way through college now and I still love this book, and look at it every time I go home and see it sitting on the coffee table with the other Graeme books. I'll definately have this for my kids when I have some.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sign Of The Seahorse, December 15, 1999

By 

Kathy (Myrtle Beach, America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sign Of The Seahorse (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Picture Puffin Books (Pb)) (School & Library Binding)

'Sign Of The Seahorse' is a rich, imaginative, book that can be loved by small and enjoyed by adults.

The story line is really interesting because although we are reading about fish and creatures that live in the sea, it pertains to the types of situations one lives and reads about on a daily basis.

It is very easy to feel sympathy for the main charaters and dislike the 'bad guys'. Each charater has such personality and charm in their own way. The way in which the central charaters overcame their problems was diplomatic and handled very nicely, for a bunch of fishy charaters. Not too much fighting or nastiness.

The illustrations get 5 stars too. Rarely will one see the attention to detail, complex drawings and beautiful colours as are illustrated in Graeme Base books.

There is usually a hidden meaning, specific charater or other very interesting thing about each of his books. It makes you want to go back time after time.

Other books by Graeme Base well as Sign Of The Seahorse are Anamaila, and The Eleventh Hour. Each book is equally as good as the other.

We have had Graeme Base books for about 10 years, we still enjoy reading them and finding new 'somethings' we somehow missed before.

I highly reccomend any of his books from newborn to Grandparents.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Teachers, February 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sign of the Seahorse: A Tale of Greed and High Adventure in Two Acts (Picture Puffin Books) (Paperback)

This book is a wonderful addition to any classroom grades 2-8. The language is rich and colorful. The story is very detailed and offers great discussions among the children. This is a MUST have for parents and teachers.