Based on an African-American spiritual, Paparone's version of Noah's gathering is cast as a counting rhyme and illustrated with deft, primitive-style paintings. A snowy-bearded minister leading his congregation in song in the first spreads becomes Noah in subsequent scenes, where he builds the ark and leads the animals to it; six monkeys scamper playfully up the ramp followed by seven ducks (each of a recognizably different kind), eight rabbits, nine various bovines, and, finally, ``five black roosters and five white hens.'' Though pleasantly unpretentious, this pales compared to the spectacular plasticine art in Barbara Reid's Two By Two (1993); considering how familiar its subject is, an additional purchase only. Music with a simple accompaniment included on the endpapers. (Picture book. 5-8) Read full book review >