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Base, Graeme
8 Reviews
(3)
K-3
In this original fable, four animals that all wish to become King meet Elephant, an enlivened statue from the ancient Cambodian temple of Angkor Wat. He invites them to race to demonstrate that they have the regal qualities of "strength, compassion, resilience, and courage." Intricate, handsome digital renderings depict the temple, animals, and lush countryside; a butterfly hides in each spread.
Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt
(4)
K-3
After they're caught stealing, Ibis and Jackal are sent by the Cat Pharaoh to retrieve her Jewel Fish from the Crocodile Prince. Of course, things go wrong for these tricksters. Highly detailed illustrations include hieroglyphics that retell the wordy story and contain a hidden code (clues can be found on Base's website).
Reviewer: Kari Allen
(4)
K-3
Young Wilbur sets off, inspired by his favorite book, to search for the titular ship and become the Grand Enchanter. As usual with Base's books, there are hidden images (some difficult to locate) in the fantastical paintings. The text is long-winded, but the sweeping illustrations' picture-puzzle element (including a related website) will hold the attention of young wannabe seafarers.
Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt
(3)
K-3
Bertie Badger's grandfather, a retired magician, lives in a community of fellow tricksters. When their magic props disappear, Bertie's on the case. Base's familiar animal-centric illustrations, here with hidden objects on each page and a code to crack, pair well with rhyming couplets to help readers piece together the mystery's solution. A "magical code breaker" is attached to the back endpapers.
Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck
(3)
K-3
This updated and expanded edition features the letters of four fictitious explorers as they describe the types of dragons that have been discovered over the last thousand years. Each double-page spread includes a letter; a vibrant, detailed dragon illustration; a small map; and a cartoon border depicting events in the letter. This mock-scientific book with its tongue-in-cheek humor has much to offer.
Reviewer: Beth L. Meister
(4)
K-3
In this contrived tale, Ngiri, the smallest warthog in Africa, gets mixed up in the conflict between the ugly warthogs and beautiful "Other Animals" when he receives a set of magic wishing drums. The muddled results of his wishes plus hidden surprises will give readers lots to look out for in the detailed caricaturish illustrations.
Reviewer: Susan Halperin
(4)
4-6
A bizarre premise--a society populated by creatures that are "half vehicle, half dog"--frames this story of the Mongrel Pack, a group of rowdy young canines who, when their town is attacked by the marauding RottWheeler gang, save the day. Color illustrations of various canine/truck hybrids will draw readers, but the attenuated story may not hold them.
Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta
(4)
K-3
One rhino, two tigers, and other animals up to ten kangaroos come to drink from a water hole, a die-cut hole that shrinks through successive pages. Why are animals on different continents shown drinking from the same water hole? Why is the water hole shrinking? Don't ask--just enjoy searching the detailed paintings for hidden animal images and a family of sartorially savvy frogs.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
8 reviews
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