From School Library Journal
Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 2—For the first few days after they board the ark to escape the heavy rain, the animals enjoy the novelty of the voyage. However, as weeks pass, tempers start to flare, and an alphabetic litany of animals and their grievances begins. Camels complain, kangaroos kick, yaks yell, and the rest of the passengers contribute to the miserable atmosphere. Finally, Noah calls a halt to the uproar with a resounding shout to remind the creatures that they have to get along on a crowded boat. The next pass through the alphabet is much more congenial. Iguanas invite jaguars to jam. Quails quote rhymes with rabbits at a penguin party. In short, spirits improve considerably. Davis's hilarious illustrations of the facial expressions and actions of the various animals add to the liveliness and humor. Lots of interactions occur simultaneously, giving readers much to explore visually. Aside from the basic premise of Noah and a huge assortment of animals, there's little relation to the familiar Bible tale. Shapiro has crafted a humorous alphabet story with an underlying message of cooperation—a winning combination.—
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
At first, the animal couples are excited about their cruise on Noah’s Ark. But when the rain goes on and on, the giraffes are grumpy, the hyenas are hysterical, the iguanas are impatient, and they all blame Noah, until he yells at them: “We’re all in the same boat!” Then things turn around: the elephants become more enthusiastic, the foxes tell fables, the giraffes make gifts, and the kangaroos play kickball. The text's alphabet wordplay, alliteration, and parody will have kids and adults laughing out loud; and the bright, colorful double-page spreads extend the verbal fun in scenes of the dressed-up animal passengers munching pizza on deck or wearing sunglasses and mouthing off as they play checkers. Children will enjoy practicing the big words about feeling vexed, livid, and exasperated. Grades K-3. --Hazel Rochman
