The endless flow of new versions of the Noah’s Ark story continues without ebb, but this entry follows a different course than most. This version is told simply, with few words, and never mentions Noah or the Ark or even God. The succinct text focuses on the animals themselves, who seek shelter from the great storm within the Ark, which gradually takes shape on the beach as the storm is approaching. Noah is shown peeking out of the Ark windows and in one full illustration with his wife, but the gathering storm and the gathering animals are the main focus. The rather abrupt conclusion shows the animals disembarking into a new world of “light and warmth and freedom” with no humans in sight. Winch’s oil paintings are highly detailed and creative in both perspective and composition, though sharp-eyed children are bound to notice that several animals on the cover and within aren’t paired up “two by two.” (author’s note) (Picture book/nonfiction. 3-6)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-8234-1840-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2004
Though the rhyme tumbles and at times bumbles, enticing imagery will lure readers in.
Rhyming text and colorful multicultural illustrations reassure young readers of God’s omnipresence and still small voice.
“Where in the world is God’s voice found?” Perhaps in ocean waves, bird song, or mountain vistas, suggest the couplet rhymes. Even when readers might be faced with difficult emotions and distractions of all kinds, the text reassures them that God is still there and still speaking, if only one pauses to listen. His voice can be found in nature, in starlight, in the love of family and friends, in dreams, and “through His Word.” Admirably, the bright illustrations, reminiscent of mid-20th-century Disney artist Mary Blair’s stylings, depict children and families with a diverse array of skin tones and ages. There is also a refreshing mix of urban, suburban, and rural settings. Yet, despite the appealing illustrations, the rhymes and scansion are often forced (“your feelings, they matter, / even if they’re all mixed up like / pancake batter”), which detracts from the overall message. Contrived couplets notwithstanding, this title will likely find an audience among Christian households seeking reassuring bedtime reads.
Though the rhyme tumbles and at times bumbles, enticing imagery will lure readers in. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-525-65385-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: WaterBrook
Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
A shy snail sets off on a mysterious journey in this story that concludes with the surprise appearance of Noah and his Ark. The snail meets several kind animals along the way and is in danger of being eaten as a snack by a number of others. All the other creatures hurry off on their own important journeys, leaving the snail to continue his ultra-slow progress, voicing the titular refrain after each encounter. Eventually he slides up the ramp to the Ark, where he is welcomed by Noah, who has been waiting for a second snail to complete his last pair of animals. Noah assures the snail that God cares for all creatures, even the tiny and the slow. Though Taylor depicts the snail in a tiny size in some illustrations and overlarge format in others, the simple and serviceable text and illustrations and the repeated refrain make this a suitable if not essential choice for preschoolers already familiar with the basic premise of this Bible story. A poster of Noah and the animals is included. (Religion/picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: June 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7459-6150-7
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Lion/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2009
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