Noahs Ark [Paperback]

Lucy Cousins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 6, 2006

A classic picture book of the biblical tale, from the creator of "Maisy". "Then the animals came, two by two...two by two...into the ark..." There have been numerous picture-book versions of the "Old Testament" tale of Noah and his ark, but none as simply told and boldly illustrated for young children, as this rainbow-filled version by Lucy Cousins.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With childlike verve, the talented colorist Cousins adapts the Bible story into a picture book for the very young. The familiar gathering of animals two by two onto the ark before the great flood takes on a gentle and joyous tone as expressed by Cousins's brief and simple sentences and by her naive painted figures. Noah wears a kind, comforting smile and provides the benevolent leadership this story calls for. The text will naturally have added appeal for those seeking an introduction to the literature of the Bible; however, the book's airy design and playfully rendered creatures should attract a large audience. Endpapers featuring a brilliant menagerie of passengers great and small are not to be missed. Ages 2-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ages 1-3. Cousins uses sparse phrasing to deliver a capsulization of the biblical story of Noah and the flood. Her uncluttered, childlike paintings rendered in bold gouache colors will appeal to young children just being introduced to the tale. While libraries won't want to miss Reid's memorable interpretation, Two by Two , there is room on the shelves for Cousins' simple, direct, and colorful telling. Ellen Mandel --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens Paperbacks (March 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0744599725
• ISBN-13: 978-0744599725
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #796,534 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( C ) > Cousins, Lucy

More About the Author

Lucy Cousins is the creator of many wonderful picture books for children, including Yummy: My Favourite Nursery Stories and Hooray for Fish! , as well as her bestselling books about Maisy the mouse. About I'm the Best, she says, "I had the idea for this book after winning a tennis competition. I loved telling all my friends and family about it, but then I realized that I was probably showing off, like Dog!" Lucy Cousins lives in Hampshire with her partner, four children and very fluffy dog.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Visually charming retelling of Noah's story, January 25, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Noah's Ark Board Book (Board book)

"Noah's Ark," retold and illustrated by Lucy Cousins, is an admirable addition to the collection of children's books that revisit stories from the Jewish Bible. Cousins retells the story in straightforward, simple language.

What really makes this book stand out is the superb artwork. Cousins' pictures have a charmingly crude feel to them; they crackle with energy and color. The story of Noah, who takes two of every species of animal onto an oceangoing vessel in order to survive a flood, has always been an illustrator's dream, and Cousins revels in the scenario. We see alligators, ladybugs, penguins, mice, elephants, puffins, snakes, ostriches, and many, many more species.

Some may argue that the story itself is not necessarily fit for the youngest children; the notion of a divine being wiping out nearly all of humanity in an intentional global holocaust is, when you think about it, pretty terrifying! But with some guidance from a caring parent or guardian, this version of "Noah's Ark" could be fun for small children. Thanks to Lucy Cousins for a great job.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good for animals, not for theology!, June 12, 2006

By 

Reader X "RX" (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Noah's Ark (Board book)

While my son (2.5) loves the pictures in this book, the theology drives me crazy. I can handle the "wicked people" mentioned by others although I wonder what my little guy thinks. The thing that drives me nuts is the fact that the redemptive rainbow at the end of the story, which means God will not do this again, is missing! A good book for learning about animals, but not for learning about God.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT book for your toddler!, March 12, 2003

By 

Marla & Zachary Hodgson (Perrysburg, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Noah's Ark Board Book (Board book)

I highly recommend books by Lucy Cousins - especially this one. The illustrations are bright and vivid and catch a baby/toddler's eye. My son Zachary's room is in the Noah's Ark theme, so I collect all things Noah, but this book has always been a favorite.