The Sign of the Seahorse: A Tale of Greed and High Adventure in Two Acts (Picture Puffin Books)

This is a review for the printing/binding, not the book. I love the book and its illustrations so I bought it as a gift and was very disappointed to find that the newest printing (by Puffin Books 1998) is nowhere near the quality of the previous printing (Harry N. Abrahms 1992). The front cover is blurry and off-center and all the pages have cut-off illustrations. I'm sad because this was going to be a very nice gift and instead I'm going to return it. On the photos I've submitted, the old copy is on the left, the new on the right.

I bought this book as a gift to new parents because this was a book I grew up with and enjoyed. Thinking to share the nostalgia, I ordered this one and hoped it would be quality since it is sold and shipped by Amazon. This new book is worse than my own copy. The front cover is darker and blurred compared to mine, but worse, they changed the "Grouper" character to "Groper". While a fish called a Groper does exist, (I looked it up) this seems like a totally inappropriate and unnecessary change. Especially for a children's book.I took some pictures, for comparative purposes, my original copy is on the left, and the one I bought from Amazon is on the right. Note the pink fish is darker and the whole thing is slightly blurry. In the second photo the binding is shoddy compared to mine on the left. In the third photo, note the fish on the back cover is dark and blurry. In the last photo, note that my book, again on the left has the character as a "Grouper" and the on the right it is changed to "groper", also the seahorse face is cut off compared to my original.I checked other websites to see if this was a fluke or bad publishing. As it turns out, based on the photos on the other websites, this is bad publishing. It is a shame that such a beautiful book received such poor QA.

This book was not what I expected. However, that being said, it is extremely original and beautifully illustrated. The book is written in poetry in the form of a drama. It may be too difficult for toddlers, etc. to follow if you are wanting a story to read aloud, but it is a great book for slightly older kids. I would think elementary teachers could easily use this in the classroom as a read aloud. Drama and poetry could be studied at the same time!

So far I have never been disappointed with any of Base's books. My six-year old grandson and I just love to sit and read and re-read his stories and admire the pictures. Every time we look at that amazing artwork, we find something new to pore over. And I do love the storyline being a bit concerned about the state of our oceans. Of course, my grandson just enjoys the story. Great addition to a child's library.

Positively fabulous book. What a story. What a fun way to address the themes of love, greed, betrayal, and victory. It is best read aloud with theatrical affectations to a group of friends. It's nearly impossible to describe the illustrations except to say they are intelligent, luxurious, hilarious and full of surprises when you scan for the unexpected in the details. I look forward to his other books.

Beautifully detailed art, wonderful verse, vivid characters and an intricate plotWhen my son was too young to follow the language and plot, he cold listen while searching for the two shrimp and the seahorse sign hidden on every spread. After he'd heard it for a couple times he made the connection between what I was reading and the now familiar characters. After he'd nearly memorized it he began to follow the plot, a real estate scam that sought to profit from a toxic spill

I have eight of his books. This is my favorite. Beautiful illustrations. Incredible story in wonderful poetic style. Important message about ocean conservancy. I use it in class when teaching ocean life and life cycles. I never get tired of reading it allowed - 15 years now

Cant wait to start using some of these designs on my bathroom walls as a fun project

I bought this for my nephew as both my children(now older)LOVED this book with a passion!Our copy is an old library one,much dog-earred and tatty.I recall reading for hours from it....beware it is addictive,told in rhyming verse with the most amazing illustrations.The characters are sublime and the moral tale a good lesson for us all.I would urge all parents to give this,and his other books,a place on your childs bookshelf. They will remember it forever!

Bizarre undersea world and accompanying story but oh, what magnificent illustrations. Small grandson (2.5) finds story far too long but spends ages looking at the pictures and naming the characters. He also counts every starfish he sees! One to grow into.

Good

Lovely book, for all ages. The artist really does have a wonderful way of depicting a wide array of animals and settings. Very reasonably priced and in great shape 2nd hand on here for a 20 year old item. Full five stars.

Sadly, not for a 2-year-old. It is a little complex- including the luscious illustrations.The story is filled with sly humor and a good lesson. The illustrations keep you searching for yet more little details with every lookA beautiful book, which hopefully our clever granddaughter will appreciate in time. I'm sure older children love it.