THE SIGN OF THE SEAHORSE is "A Tale of Greed and High Adventure in Two Acts," as described by the author. The story involves a romance between a trout and a crab, and a scam by a grouper. When toxic waste is dumped on the reef, the grouper and his "henchfish" concoct a scheme to sell sub-par real estate to the sea animals at inflated rates. Meanwhile, the exodus from the dead coral separates the two lovebirds, who must find each other by following the "sign of the seahorse."

When read aloud, the story (written in couplets) becomes sing-song in a way that resembles the toss and turn of the ocean waves. Many of the words Base uses are difficult for children to understand, but they can still follow the basic story line. The pictures alone create a beautiful story. Base's art is filled with deep-sea details as well as humorous tidbits like the bill at the Seahorse Cafe advertising, "Bob Marlin and the Whalers." Significant time must be spent exploring the pictures and I found myself frequently interrupting my reading to look at the pictures again.

Graeme Base was born in England, but grew up in Austrailia. His concern for the coral reef is evident in his story, maybe too evident. The "poisoning" of the reef seems to be resolved a little too easily when the sea animals just move to a new place and start a great new life. However, Base does make a point to say, "But nothing ever grew upon that coral reef again." The anti-pollution message may be a little too transparent for older readers, but is not overwhelming at all. According to the book jacket, Base lives with his family "near the sea" and is even pictured in snorkeling gear. Obviously, this issue is one that is near to Base's life, and he uses his artistic talents to share that concern with the world.

THE SIGN OF THE SEAHORSE was actually made into a musical production called Sign of the Seahorse- The Concert, which is a co-production between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Playbox Theatre. I would be first in line to see the show if it came to America, but in its absence, I wil continue to enjoy reading this book aloud.