If your children think they’re too old for picture books, then they probably haven’t discovered the work of Australian author/illustrator Graeme Base. The Sign of the Seahorse is just one of his outstanding works, suitable for six to twelve year old readers.

The book, subtitled A Tale of Greed and High Adventure in Two Acts, is a delightful story in verse. It tells the tale of what happens to the folk of Reeftown when their future is threatened by the dual menace of the dastardly Gropmund Groper and a mysterious poison which is slowly killing their reef.

The story has all the elements of a top drama – a romance, a villain, a hero, and a triumph of good over evil. Couple this with Base’s outstanding illustrations, and you have a book which will appeal to every child. Younger children will be happy to listen to the rhythm of the story and delight in the pictures, while older children will enjoy the novelty and humour of the text.

For parents or teachers there is the added bonus of text which will enrich the reader’s vocabulary – Base uses words like auspicious, bereft and ingenious with regularity, but does so in such a way that it adds to the entertainment value of the tale.

The Tale of the Seahorse by Graeme Base
Viking, 1992

Other Classic Picture Books Reviewed on Aussie Reviews

Possum Magic, by Mem Fox
Ca-a-r Ca-a-a-a-r , by Geoff Havel
Cat Balloon, by Palo Morgan