Graeme Base is one of the world's leading creators of picture books. His alphabet book Animalia, received international acclaim when it was first published in 1986, and has achieved classic status with worldwide sales approaching three million copies. It has now inspired an animated TV series.
Other favourites by Graeme Base include The Eleventh Hour, My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch, The Sign of the Seahorse, The Discovery of Dragons, The Worst Band in the Universe,The Waterhole (and The Waterhole Board Book), Jungle Drums and Uno's Garden.
In 2007 this last title featured in six major awards and was winner of three: Speech Pathology Book of the Year, younger readers; The Green Earth Book, USA; The Wilderness Society Environment Award.
In 2003, his first novel for young readers, TruckDogs, was released. It was short-listed for the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards the following year.
In 2009 Graeme produced the the fascinating, beautiful and challenging book Enigma; can you crack the code? Graeme's most recent book is The Last King of Angkor Wat.
Graeme lives in Melbourne with his artist wife, Robyn, and their three children - James, Kate and Will.
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The Last King of Angkor Wat is the new book from Graeme Base. As always the images are beautifully detailed and the story timeless. Base tells the story of a Tiger, Gibbon, Water Buffalo and Geeko as they go on the journey to prove they are most suited to become the next King of Angkor Wat.
Relevant themes are identified as the animals journey reveals that while they have key strengths to become king, each of them hold weaknesses.
This is sure to become a classic for ages 5+.
Within the ruins of Angkor Wat, four animals, Tiger, Gibbon, Water Buffalo and Gekho gather together to discuss who had the qualities that would make them a better king. They are visited by the Elephant King who tests them by sending each of them on a short journey. This race to the temple reveals that although each animal has a great strength, they also have weaknesses.
There are some great themes that can be explored through this story. It would be a great way to encourage children to ask questions about Cambodia. Base has written a short explanation for the setting in the back of the book. The beautiful Khmer temples, and the artwork carved into them, would be a great topic to explore. Also, the insight of the Elephant King could be attributed to Ganesha, the Elephant God who in Hinduism represents wisdom and knowledge. The role of elephants in Cambodian culture may be another interesting investigation.
For younger children, this book is a lovely way to show that we all have strengths and weaknesses and that the best way to improve our limitations is to be aware of what they are. In the end, the animals become great friends and their influence on each other helps them to improve their own character. A lovely way of talking about surrounding yourself with people who will support you to be your best. It may also be an interesting introduction into the role of monarchy, looking at countries who do still have a King or Queen and which have adopted a new/mixed form of government.
Another beautifully illustrated picture book by Graeme Base. The artwork took me straight back to my time in Cambodia walking through the long-abandoned temples. Although this is a picture book with little text, I would happily share this with children from 5-12 years of age. A must for any picture book collection.
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