WE’RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

The animals pile into the Ark, two by two, bringing along their umbrellas, rain hats and take-out pizza for the journey. As the difficulties of the voyage become apparent, an alphabetical accounting of the animals’ adversities ensues, from the antsy ants and bored bees right on to the worried worms and the zoned-out zebras. When Noah bellows out the titular phrase, the animals have a change of heart, and another alphabetical listing evolves, describing positive actions that benefit the group instead of complaints. This version of the biblical tale does not include any mention of God or the reasons behind the flood, focusing simply on the animals and the turnaround in group dynamics. Davis’s illustrations provide clever details—the animal duos sport clothing and accessories—and expressive faces convey the animals’ emotions. Noah’s Ark stories are as plentiful as starfish in the sea, but this offering from a first-time author has something new to say: Cooperation and support in tough times can keep a boatload of buddies afloat. (Picture book/religion. 4-7)