Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Secret Seahorse
Illustrator: Clare Beaton
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Barefoot Books, 2004 ISBN: 184148704X
One day I see a “secret seahorse” swimming past. I am eager to “swim beside him,” but the secret seahorse swims away quickly. He swims past reefs of coral and “flickering fishes.” I ask some octopuses if they know where he is, but they are no help. The mermaid I see later is no help either. I find an “ancient shipwreck,” but I cannot see the little seahorse hiding on or around the old ship. Where has the little fellow gone?
In this very special picture book, Clare Beaton’s gorgeous illustrations – made using fabrics, beads, and buttons – are paired with Stella Blackstone’s sing song rhyming text to give young readers a unique picture book experience.
At the back of the book, the author tells her readers about coral reefs, and then she provides more information about the coral reef creatures that are shown in the illustrations. In addition, there is a long section about seahorses that is packed full of interesting fact about the curious sea animals.
