"The Water Hole" is a fusion of counting book, puzzle book, storybook and art book. Graeme Base takes the reader on a journey of discovery, from the plains of Africa and the jungles of the Amazon to the woodlands of North America and the deserts of the Australian outback. As one rhino gives way to two tigers, with three toucans waiting in the wings, the tale unfolds on many levels. Page by page the numbers increase as the animals come to their water hole to drink. But at the same time, the cast of frogs frolicking by the water hole is diminishing. What is going on?

About the Author

Graeme Base is one of the world's favorite creators of picture books. Abrams has published all of his books in the United States. They include The Eleventh Hour, called "a visual feast, ingeniously prepared," by Parents magazine. His other titles include The Sign of the Seahorse, The Discovery of Dragons, and The Worst Band in the Universe. "Graeme Base's picture books sparkle with the spirit of their creator," says the Boston Sunday Herald. Graeme Base lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Reviews

Successive spreads introduce a growing number of animals at a water hole that, as viewed through die-cut ovals, becomes smaller with each turn of the page. "Readers will find more to see the longer they linger over these enticing pages," wrote PW. Ages 4-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.