School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-Near the ruins of Angkor Wat, Tiger, Gibbon, Water Buffalo, and Gecko argue about who would make the best king. A resplendent Elephant challenges them to travel to the temple on a distant hill. Along the way, the animals encounter situations that reveal both strengths and weaknesses in their characters. After they all arrive at the destination, Elephant's comments about the journey help them to realize that none of them has all the attributes of a great ruler. Exploring the temple, they encounter fantastic carvings of the Elephant King, who possessed strength, compassion, resilience, and courage. Although the moral of the story is obvious, the book's attraction lies in its magnificent, detailed illustrations of the Cambodian jungle and the ancient temple ruins. Snake coils across spreads, interacting with each animal on its journey. Details from Angkor Wat's Elephant Terrace appear not only in the final, large illustrations but also in borders around scenes throughout the book. Base challenges sharp-eyed readers to find a butterfly in each scene. Undoubtedly, this tale will encourage some children to learn more about the history and excavation of Angkor Wat as well.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., Mankato (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In Base's (Little Elephants) fable, four boastful animals discover they are not as virtuous as they thought they were. The Angkor Wat setting, luxuriously drafted and colored, supplies a bower of evocative scenes-sunlight sifting through jungle trees, the massive blocks of the temple ruins, and an elephant king who manifests before the four animals as they bicker about who would make the finest ruler. The elephant sets them a challenge: Tiger, Gecko, Water Buffalo, and Gibbon must all run to a distant temple. Each meets a threatening snake on the way, and each is further delayed by an additional obstacle; Tiger, for example, is asked to help a wounded bird. When the four arrive at their destination, the elephant judges them all. "One among you is clearly the mightiest," he starts. "However, he ignored a call for help along the way. He lacks compassion." The other animals' performances are similarly weighed; none is worthy to reign. Whether readers learn to turn the same hard gaze upon themselves, Base's exceptional illustrative powers will absorb their attention. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.