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This book on parenthood brings us the story of a seahorse, appropriately named Mr. Seahorse, who is helping his wife by taking care of the eggs she has laid. Throughout the process, he is encountered by several other marine life, also male, who are also helping to take care of the soon-to-hatch eggs their mates have laid. The book is portraying that not only females are to take care of the offspring, but the fathers as well. The stickleback, tilapia, pipefish, and others also tend to the unborn young during the gestation period. Another aspect of the book that teachers might |
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find useful to point out, is how some animals camouflage underwater. Several examples are shown as Mr. Seahorse goes about and encounters several of his friends. We come across the trumpet fish, which blend in with the algae, a lionfish hidden in a coral reef, leaf fish hidden among seaweed, and several other examples. Students and adults will enjoy the watercolor paintings which Eric Carle creates in order to bring this book to life. The dialogue is endearing and shows the caring manner of Mr. Seahorse. When the female seahorse is ready to lay her eggs, Mr. Seahorse gently asks, �Can I help?� When Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs in his pouch, he says, �I�ll take good care of our eggs...I promise.� The book is sure to be a favorite of any father and children will enjoy the color and vividness of each page. The camouflaged animals are revealed when a transparent plastic page is turned, and this encourages children to continue reading the book.
Once again, Eric Carle brings us a book full of color and tenderness. Mr. Seahorse is an endearing character, constantly encouraging his fellow friends who are also tending to their eggs. The story is filled with encouraging and friendly phrases such as, �You are doing a good job,� and �You should feel proud of yourself,� whenever he comes a cross another male fish tending his eggs. With such imagination, color, and tenderness, it is no wonder the author was presented with the Laura Ingalls Award! This book will be a favorite of any devoted father for years to come.
Carle, Eric. 2004. Mister Seahorse. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0-399-24269-4. |
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