Book Review: Noah’s Ark

Shanna González — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:38:07 +0000

Noah’s Ark (Caldecott Honor Book)

Jerry Pinkney. Chronicle Books 2002, Hardcover, 40 pages, $8.73

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a faithful interpretation of the biblical story, rendered in breathtaking watercolor paintings which earned this book a Caldecott Honor in 2003. If I were forced to choose one version of the story, I would probably choose Peter Spier’s, but Pinkney provides an original, memorable perspective, allowing the youngest readers to experience the dramatic grandeur of this story. I especially appreciate a striking images of whales, sharks and fish swimming through the submerged human cities.

The text does take a few artistic liberties — there is greater emphasis on humanity’s failure to steward the planet than our failure to live a life pleasing to God — but this is a rather minor matter, and the great strength of this book is its masterful artwork. An outstanding addition to any child’s library.

Book Review: Noah’s Ark

Shanna González — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:51:43 +0000

Noah’s Ark (Picture Yearling Book)

Peter Spier. Dragonfly Books 1992, Paperback, 48 pages, $3.00

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Everyone should have at least one Noah’s Ark story, and Peter Spier’s version is one of the best available. It is especially well suited to children, with its wordless format and careful attention to visual detail. Sweeping illustrations fill up each page with well-developed vignettes, evoking the horror, danger and hope of the original story.

The story is simple, yet this book is complex enough for both pre-readers and readers. Having discussed it with an adult, pre-readers will be able enjoy it on their own for an extended time, since the pictures convey at least as much information as the words.

Eye Level Books » Floods

Book Review: Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark (Caldecott Honor Book)

Book Review: Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark (Picture Yearling Book)