On Noah's Ark [Hardcover]

Jan Brett (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Jan Brett's intricate illustrations against a beautiful papyrus background make a stunning picture book of a favorite story-this time featuring Noah's granddaughter. As the floodwaters rise, she helps take the animals onto the ark and get them settled down. But it's not easy when giraffes are sleeping next to pandas and lions are curled up with turkeys. Finally the gentle rocking of the ark lulls them all to sleep until the waters recede and Grandpa Noah, his family, and all the animals leave the ark. This simple telling, combined with extraordinary illustrations of every animal imaginable, makes On Noah's Ark perfect for young and old.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-Brett presents the biblical story from the perspective of Noah's granddaughter. The child watches the construction of the ark and the arrival of its passengers. Once they are on board and the rain falls, she untangles the crowded beasts so that they can all sleep peacefully. When the storm ends, Grandpa Noah releases her pet dove to search for land. After the creatures disembark, she helps him plant a seed to start life anew. This familiar story serves as a vehicle for Brett's watercolor-and-gouache panoramas of animals, birds, and insects from all corners of the Earth. Even the dodo appears. Each spread features a large scene surrounded by a papyrus border. Smaller pictures that relate to the central image are presented in animal-shaped frames to the left and right. Close-up views of insects appear near the corner of some pages and the dove also has a spot in many illustrations. Such details add to the book's interest for older children, who can find something new to explore during repeat readings. Brett's fans will recognize her artistic style, and where her work is popular, this book is a "must purchase." Other librarians may want to assess demand for Noah stories versus the number of titles in the collection, including Jerry Pinkney's Noah's Ark (North-South, 2002). If there is room for one more interpretation, this one is worth considering.
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 1. There's no mention of a wrathful God in this beautifully illustrated retelling of the familiar story of the ark, which is related through the viewpoint of Noah's granddaughter. As the water rises, Noah and his family prepare while the animal pairs march aboard. The 40 days and nights in the ark are restless and crowded, but the girl tries to make everyone comfortable. Finally, she sends her dove in search of land, and a new world begins. The words are basic and effective; it's the detailed watercolors of the animals that are the real attraction here. In precise brushstrokes and vivid colors, Brett creates incredibly textured feathers and fur, and the appealing book design positions the images on backgrounds made to resemble papyrus scrolls. Very young children will want to point out their favorite animals in the parade; older ones who know the story may enjoy this kinder, secular version. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile; First edition. edition (September 29, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399240284
• ISBN-13: 978-0399240287
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 11.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #230,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Noah's Ark

More About the Author

Jan Brett is the author of the New York Times bestselling Gingerbread Friends, The Three Snow Bears, and The Mitten, as well as many other classics. She lives in Norwell, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Missed the Boat!, June 24, 2009

By 

mejerrymouse "mejerrymouse" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Noah's Ark (Hardcover)

While this book does have lovely pictures, that is about all this book has to offer. The title could have been "On Grandpa's Boat" and been no less meaningful. This book is no more than a grandchild sitting out a month-long spring rain storm with a bunch of animals (which would be fine if that is what you were looking for). However, if you're looking for a book to bring alive the Biblical account of Noah's ark...a story that recounts God redeeming a family in His great mercy and kindness...look elsewhere.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Noah's Ark, November 6, 2004

By 

Happy Reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Noah's Ark (Hardcover)

Brett presents this rendition of the story of Noah's Ark from the perspective of Noah's granddaughter. She watches the construction of the ark, and sees all the animals boarding. When the storm ends, Noah releases her pet dove to look for land. The animals leave and look for new homes, and Noah plants a tiny seed. I enjoy all of Jan Brett's books because her watercolor illustrations are so beautiful and detailed. This book is no exception. She treats the viewer to many visual delights. The text is simple and is a good read for little ones.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Jan Brett's best!, September 24, 2003

By 

Holly Thatcher (Apple Valley, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Noah's Ark (Hardcover)

Beautiful illustrations and a creative storytelling make this version of the Noah's Ark story a must have! Jan Brett is one of my favorite author/illustrators and this book will not disappoint any of Brett's fans. This book is a joy for both parents and children to read. My 2 year old daughter loves it.