By: Graeme Base Publisher: Harry N. Abrams Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Harry N. Abrams Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 32 Publication Date: September 15, 1987 Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Amazon.com: What's this elaborate illustration? "Horrible Hairy Hogs Hurrying Homewards on Heavily Harnessed Horses," of course. Graeme Base's astonishingly creative oeuvre begins with Animalia, the 1993 alphabet book that challenges the standard idea of how long reading a book for small kids ought to take. Animalia, like many of Base's books, is a vast puzzle, built with entrancing pictures that unfold into layers and layers of objects--all matched to each page's corresponding letter. Base leaves us stunned and amazed, painting reflections into the oddest surfaces and driving the urge to page-turn. This wonderful picture book works for 2-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and adults alike--something few other alphabet books can manage. --Andrew Bartlett
Seek and Find, I Spy, Animals, Outstanding Illustrations all rolled up into one! This was our first Graeme Base book, and I thought it was wonderful -- until I discovered some of his other books. I bought it because my 4-year old is really into animals. He also likes the Osborne seek and find books, and Animalia is a combination of both. The details in the illustrations are truly outstanding. Sadly, my son didn't like it as much as I did, but you know how children are. I'm sure when I reintroduce the book in a few months he will appreciate it much more. He's just learning to read, so the details in teaching the alphabet are just now starting to become clear. Everytime I look at this book I discover some more detail on each page. The author must have spent a great deal of time creating this masterpiece. And you cannot go wrong with a Graeme Base book. Definitely my favorite children's author.
Amazing imagery and clever writing I really enjoy Graeme Base's children's books. My 2 1/2 year old son is not old enough to read them as yet but I bought this book because I enjoy it! I was introduced to the author when I took my Bear and Webelos Cub Scouts to the library to visit with the librarian...when she pulled out one of his other books, Eleventh Hour, the Scouts perked right up and couldn't wait to get their hands on that book! I purchased that book along with this one - can't wait until my son gets excited about them too!
Awesome book. Bizarre use of a swastika As others have said, great book. You find something new with every reading...like a swastika. i have NO IDEA what the point of having a swastika is. whatever people say about it being an ancient buddhist symbol, that's not the reference point of any westerner.
my son is too young to understand and we don't have to point them out but it seems unnecessary in an otherwise great book. is it supposed to make toddlers aware of the evils of Nazi Germany? I have no idea.
it does have a Dalek which is one of the greatest things i've ever seen in a book for children.
Essential for any child's library We purchased this book and The Watering Hole for our nephew's first Christmas. Though I know that it will be a couple of years or so before he can really read it, I chose to get this because of the beautiful artwork and crafty wording. I bought a copy of this book myself when I was 15 and usually keep it on my coffee table along with a few other nice picture/art books. Highly recommended for anyone who has children or is just into nice artwork/hidden picture puzzles. I can still pick it up and find things that I didn't see years ago. Must have!
Really Fun book - for kids and adults This is one of the most entertaining (for adults!) kids books I have come across. The illustration is magical and so imaginative. The alliteration makes it a fun event for all involved. The hidden 'same letter' pictures will keep you and your little one busy on one page for many minutes at a time. Highly recommended!
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
