Those who favor a literal interpretation of Bible stories and fans of Smith’s popular series will probably feel that this...
This interpretation of the story of Noah and his Ark combines the familiar Old Testament story with perennially popular LEGO® building blocks used to create the illustrations.
The story is told in contemporary language with no reference to a particular version of the Bible or location of the relevant verses. God is depicted as an old, bearded white (or yellowish plastic) man in a white robe, and the animals and human characters are all familiar LEGO® shapes, humorously arranged in creative scenes. Smith’s series of Bible stories, the Brick Testament, has provoked controversy due to the violence depicted in some illustrations. This latest addition to the series does not shy away from the difficult issues inherent in the story. Blood (translucent red LEGO® blocks), battles and burning denote evil behavior ("God looked at the world and saw that all the people were very bad"); drowning people and the torso of a body can be seen as the waters rise, and (smiling) skeletons litter the ground when Noah and his family exit the Ark. A note for parents by a religious educator is included with guidelines for explaining the Noah’s Ark story to children.
Those who favor a literal interpretation of Bible stories and fans of Smith’s popular series will probably feel that this floats their boat; those looking for a gentler (and less visually ridiculous) introduction to the popular story should look elsewhere. (Picture book/religion. 5-7)Pub Date: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-61608-737-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Review Posted Online: April 24, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2012
A straightforward rhyming explanation of the Gospel for the very young.
A grandparent answers their grandchild’s questions by telling the story of Jesus in this picture book.
“Granfoo, Granfoo who made the sky? / And who made me, Granfoo, and why?” asks Zoe. The light-brown–skinned girl, who wears a bright purple dress, wants answers to some of life’s big questions. And Granfoo, who has pale skin and wears jeans and a blouse, is happy to answer them. She ushers Zoe to a comfy spot on the porch and brings out a Bible. In simple, rhyming text, Granfoo describes how God created everything in the world and tells the story of Jesus. After a preschool-appropriate description of sin—“the bad things we do”—Granfoo shares the more challenging story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Smith’s vocabulary is simple and accessible, and the rhymes scan well throughout. Yongco’s cartoon illustrations show the clearly loving relationship between grandparent and child (who appear to be part of a multiracial family), set against a lush green yard and large, rural-feeling porch. While some churches may hesitate to fully embrace the statement of original sin Granfoo espouses, Sunday school teachers and parents looking for a rudimentary explanation of the Christian story of sin, death, and rebirth may find Smith’s picture book a good place to start.
A straightforward rhyming explanation of the Gospel for the very young.Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-66420-250-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 4, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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