From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Wilson launches another ark on a crowded picture-book sea. She employs no gimmicks, rhymes, or unusual perspectives. Instead, she uses simple, direct language to convey the story from Genesis. What makes this version fresh is the artwork. Its flat perspective, simple patterns, and vibrant colors draw and hold viewers' attention, and the careful design of the spreads will please storytime participants. Trying to find Noah's dog in many pictures will add to the enjoyment. This solid addition to the fleet is a good choice for libraries needing a new retelling of the oft-told tale.
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, MankatoCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
PreS-Gr. 3. Children introduced to this remarkable story will be entranced by the odd man Noah, whom God instructs to build a huge boat. The gathering of birds, bugs, and beasts has always fascinated children, and this version will be no less loved by the child already familiar with the story. Wilson's childlike paper-collage illustrations, in flattened perspective, will draw browsers right into the story. After the rain, the sense of isolation is intensified by the vastness of a sea-blue, double-page spread; and by setting the boat in the corner of the page, Wilson gives a clear sense of the magnitude of the storm. The dove, when sent to spy out the land, offers hope when it returns with its olive sprig. The animals disembarking and the lovely rainbow mirror God's own resolution that never again will there be such a terrible flood. This timeless tale of hope and redemption is sure to delight yet another generation of children.
Shelley Townsend-HudsonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved