Mister Seahorse

When Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs, she does it on Mr. Seahorse's belly! She knows he will take good care of them. While he swims waiting for the eggs to hatch, he meets some other underwater fathers caring for their babies: Mr. Tilapia, who carries his babies in his mouth; Mr. Kurtus, who keeps his on his head; and Mr. Catfish, who is baby-sitting his young hatchlings. Eric Carle has done it again, with astonishingly beautiful collage illustrations and a story that introduces the very young to the wonders of aquatic life....and some very special daddies. A "hide and seek" feature with acetate overlays adds a colorful surprise.

"In this original, entirely engaging book, Carle adds to his rich cache of endearing animal characters while delivering some intriguing information about several underwater species. Father fish come to the forefront here — and deservedly so. When Mrs. Seahorse announces that it is time for her to lay her eggs, Mr. Seahorse affably asks, 'Can I help?' She then lays her eggs into a pouch in the belly of her mate, who earnestly announces, 'I'll take good care of our eggs.... I promise.' Then, drifting through the sea, the expectant pater meets up with other fish who are also carrying — or protecting — eggs, such as Mr. Tilapia, who carries eggs in his mouth, and Mr. Kurtus, who has stuck his mate's eggs on top of his head. Chipper Mr. Seahorse gives each words of encouragement ('Keep up the good work'; 'You must be very happy'; 'You are doing a fine job'). Between each of Mr. Seahorse's encounters, he unknowingly swims by other sea creatures, cleverly camouflaged behind curtains of seaweed, a coral reef and a rock. Yet readers spy all of these hidden critters when they lift acetate pages, adding a delightful dimension to this first-rate fish tale, capped by a winsome, child-confidence-building finale. In his elegant painted tissue-paper collages, Carle innovatively balances pastel hues with shocks of brilliant color, creating an appealing seascape that succeeds swimmingly. Ages 4-up. (Apr.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"In Mister Seahorse...a salty salute to devoted dads, beloved collage artist Eric Carle draws a warm-hearted story from the ocean's depths." The Washington Post

"The simple, thoughtfully told story includes repetitive phrases and a predictable structure with an emotionally satisfying ending as Mr. Seahorse sends his babies out into the watery world." Kirkus Reviews

"Carle once again successfully introduces his young fans to an interesting aspect of the natural world." School Library Journal

When Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs on Mr. Seahorse's belly, she knows he will take good care of them-especially since he gets advice from other fatherly fish. Featuring colorfully surprising acetate overlays, Eric Carle has created a beautiful book, filled with the wonders of aquatic life.

Carle is it again with astonishingly beautiful collage illustrations and a story that introduces the very young to the wonders of aquatic life and some very special daddies. A "hide-and-seek" feature with acetate overlays adds a colorful surprise. Ideal for Father's Day. Full color.

Eric Carle lives in Northampton, Massachusetts. Visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.