From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 6. Janisch's version of the Bible story does not gloss over the violence that preceded the flood or the destruction that accompanied it. The reteller uses words with economy and power to convey the familiar tale of God's order to build an ark and the efforts of Noah and his family to carry out the commands to save themselves and the animals. Zwerger's signature style of illustration brings fresh insight to the tale. From the haunting opening with burning towers and discarded weapons through a fascinating menagerie of animals assembling to board to sea creatures undulating through submerged buildings, one image after another commands viewers' attention. Small pictures at the bottom of pages of text are carefully juxtaposed with the full-page illustrations opposite. For example, images of cats and koalas in cramped but cozy shelter on board face the scene of the ark buffeted by huge waves while clouds shed more rain. Text, illustrations, and page design work harmoniously to create a distinctive version of the often-told story.?Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
This unusual telling of a familiar story begins lyrically: ``It came to pass in the days when giants strode the earth and were heroes among men, God saw that His people had grown wicked. They thought only of war and destruction. And God was angry.'' Beyond that, the text is negligible, a frame to showcase Zwerger's art. She finds whimsy in the suits, pillbox hats, and black umbrellas that adorn Noah and his family; in scenes of the animals that were left behind (among them, the satyr and the unicorn); and in the paintings of enormous fish swimming in and out of submerged houses. The watercolors effectively portray reflections of people and the ark mirrored in blue and silvery grey water. Elsewhere, Zwerger presents labeled plates of the pairs of animals, reminiscent of an Audubon notebook. Eccentric, if not cohesive, and appealing. (Picture book. 5-8) --
Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
