Aardvarks, Disembark! (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Ann Jonas (Author)

Book Description

Series: Picture Puffins

"A wonderful tour to less-traveled parts of the animal kingdom, and also a plea for conservation."--Kirkus Reviews. After the flood, it's time for the animals to leave the ark. When Noah calls the roll from A to Z, readers find Noah doesn't know the names of some of the more unusual animals. An ALA Notable Children's Book and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Book. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From the start, when readers discover this book's pages open vertically instead of horizontally, it's obvious that Jonas ( Color Dance ; Round Trip ) is bent on taking a different approach to the tale of Noah and the Ark. After a brief recap of the familiar Bible story, Noah takes a roll call (aardvarks to zebras) and discovers that there are still many animals waiting to disembark. Readers are then treated to 13 spreads devoted to the more exotic leftovers--such unusual creatures as aurochs and gerenuks, lechwes, peludos and urumutums. Although Jonas's lucid artwork is appealing and her concept intriguing, interest ultimately flags as the book becomes merely a listing, with only a tenuous story line to hold it together. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Jonas begins her picture book at a point where most Noah's ark stories end. Once the dove returns with an olive branch, Noah begins the process of unloading the animals. Jonas accompanies Noah on his trip down the mountain past the disembarking animals. Past zebus and tuataras, past margays and aoudads, Noah joins the creatures ready to begin life on Earth again. Jonas' watercolor paintings are striking, introducing dozens of animals rarely seen in picture books. Page layout and design effectively enhance the feeling of descent since the pages open upward, creating a vertical orientation. As Noah proceeds through reverse alphabetical order, the animals increase in size, giving viewers the sensation of standing on the plain as the creatures approach. Adults called upon to read this book may tremble when faced with a daunting list of unfamiliar names to pronounce, but the guide to animals on the last page not only supplies pronunciation help but also provides a brief description of each animal. Growing attention to conservation and the increasingly popular concept of zoos and wildlife refuges as types of modern arks should extend this book's interest and usefulness to those well beyond preschool. As an alphabet book, an introduction to endangered species, and an example of impressive graphic design, Jonas' book brings new dimensions to the Noah story. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140553096
• ISBN-13: 978-0140553093
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,844,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a world of wonderful animals, January 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Aardvarks, Disembark! (Library Binding)

Suprising the children by using vertically opened pages, this book begins with a simple storyline and evolves into listing an impressive range of exotically named animals. Jonas' lifelike watercolour illustrations with clean lines are given an unusual perspective through the playful use of scale and contrast of shapes. Included in the book is a good glossary of the animals named within the story, a pronunciation guide as well as a list of each animal's country of origin. I like the fact that Jonas included extinct animals in her listing which can serve as discussion sparkers on environmental and conservation concerns with children.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for animal-loving kids, September 16, 2005

By 

beccathegreat (Ok, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aardvarks, Disembark! (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I first discovered this book at the library years ago and it quickly became my nephews' favorite. Now my own son loves it. While the book doesn't have much plot, it is excellent for young children who love animals. The illustrations are beautiful and it's great for the kid who already knows the animals at the zoo--a big step up from elephants, giraffes, and penguins.