From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-A colorful interpretation of one of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament. The narrative is woven together from the biblical accounts of Noah and legends in the Jewish tradition. Compared to some of the more traditional accounts in which Noah appears as an elderly man, this Noah seems more akin to a force of nature with his sweeping gestures, flowing robes, and flame-red hair and beard. The wicked masses are portrayed as giant blue and green ogres rather than wayward people and the angels figure more prominently than in other versions. However, the most unusual aspect of this retelling is Noah's ultimatum when the rains end, "...we won't come out unless you promise that there will never be another flood like this one...." Beautiful full-color oil paintings enliven the story and varied page layouts provide additional visual interest. Purchase this for collections needing more Jewish folklore or looking for an interpretation with a different twist.
Torrie Hodgson, Burlington Public Library, WACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ages 5^-9. There seems to be no end of books about Noah, and no wonder: what an opportunity for artists and tellers to portray the mercy of God, the perversity of humankind, a multitude of animals, and a nifty ark. Gerstein's is a radiant version of the familiar tale, incorporating many Jewish legends that elaborate on the biblical version. "It is told," Gerstein begins, that Noah was born with light streaming from his eyes, in a world populated by giants who had human mothers and angel fathers. Only Noah, his wife, and three sons were good and kind. God speaks to Noah through the great, round redish gold sun, telling him to build an ark to save himself and his family and two each of all creatures, for God will destroy the world by flood. Noah discovers that the wood for the ark cuts itself and the nails know where to go; and the animals come when it is time, even the "ogs," who must travel on the roof, and the "rayeems,' who are pulled behind the ark. When Noah feeds the lions, one grows impatient and strikes him on the leg, so he limps ever after. The little, blue winged "urshanas" tell Noah he can feed the others first, and he blesses them saying, "May the Lord let you live forever," and so they did, but no one knows where. The oil-on-vellum paintings have an inner luminosity and are full of all manner of enchanting pattern. However, literal-minded children and adults will wonder how the world began again after the flood when the only woman aboard is Noah's wife; the sons' wives are nowhere in evidence.
GraceAnne A. DeCandido
