Author(s): Graeme Base (Illustrator)

Picture Books

From the bestselling author ofAnimalia, comes an ingenious fusion of counting book, puzzle, story book, and art book. Graeme Base takes us on an exhilarating journey of discovery from the plains of Africa and the jungles of the Amazon to the woodlands of North America and the deserts of Australia. At first glance, this is a simple 1 to 10 counting book featuring familiar animals as they gather at a water hole deep in the forest: One Rhino, Two Tigers, Three Toucans … But page by page the numbers increase as animals from different continents come to the water hole to drink. At the same time the water hole itself is shrinking until eventually it is nothing but cracked, dry mud. If the water hole symbolizes world resources, then its depletion has universal overtones. When will the rains come? Finally a single droplet splashes down on the parched soil. It rains and rains ... and in a glorious finale, all the animals return. The youngest readers ofThe Water Holewill enjoy a simple counting book filled with familiar creatures. Older children will be challenged to discover a hundred hidden animals in the background. Adults and children alike will enjoy sharing the search through the pages of this magnificent, beautifully illustrated book from the acclaimed author/illustrator.The Water Holeis a book to be treasured, both as a work of art and as a life-affirming and timeless story.