Prayers from the Ark (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Carmen Bernos De Gasztold (Author), Rumer Godden (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995 | Series: Picture Puffins

An illustrated collection of poems, each a prayer by one of the animals in Noah's ark.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Poems imagine prayers offered to God by Noah and individual animals aboard the Ark. All ages.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up-- It would be a great pity if this book's title relegated it to religious sections only. These ``prayers'' of a selection of animals are poetic reflections on their natures, their functions, and their fates. Each creature is vividly self-characterized, wittily and concisely; at the same time, each unmistakably mirrors human feelings and foibles. The patient, plodding ox; the self-important cock; the awkwardly bulky elephant; the haughty cat--all pray in a way that reveals their essential weaknesses and strengths. Noah's opening prayer is plangent and universal, but it takes on an extra dimension for careful readers who infer the circumstances of its composition during World War II (only the briefest introduction is provided). Although these poems were first translated in 1962, the selections here will bring them to a new generation. Moser contributes a brilliant portrait of every animal, subtly suggesting the very qualities revealed in each one's words. These splendid illustrations exactly suit the wide range of the text, drawing younger readers in without condescension, but satisfying even the most sophisticated. Few readers will be immune to the power of this book, or fail to hear an interior echo in these pleas for freedom, dignity, understanding, and grace. --Patricia Dooley, Univ . of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140545859
• ISBN-13: 978-0140545852
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #760,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GIFT TO ALL WHO LOVE GOD'S CREATURES, October 8, 2000

By 

Judith Miller (Bluemont, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prayers from the Ark (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

This is a wonderful collection of small poems. The various travelers on Noah's Ark each have a distinct prayer to God. The simplicity of these prayers ring with truth as they tell of the work and difficulties that the animals endure. The author must have had great insight to write such simple, but beautiful verse.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Prayers by different animals on Noah's ark., May 25, 1999

By 

R. D. Allison ([e-mail]) (Gainesville, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prayers from the Ark (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

This book consists of a selection of poems, translated from the French by Rumer Godden, from "Le Mieux Aime" (1947) and "Prieres dans l'Arche" (1955) by the Benedictine nun Carmen Bernos de Gasztold. It is an illustrated collection of poems, each a prayer by an animal in Noah's Ark. The poems are accompanied by beautiful illustrations.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best ever, June 27, 2008

By 

Gusman Mom "Sky Goddess" (Lubbock, Tx) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prayers from the Ark (Hardcover)

These are some of the most imaginative and delightful books ever. Not just for children-but for most adults, if they look closely, can find themselves in these wonderful creatures.