Customer Reviews

We're All in the Same Boat

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Absolutely Beautifully Created Dialogue, Excellently Finds Great Humor Inducing JoKing Laughter Mirroring Noah's Optimism. Particularly Quotable Rendition Summarizes Torah Unwaveringly. Voting Without Xception. Youthful Zingers!

My family happened to be at a children's book store this afternoon when a new author, Zachary Shapiro was there to read his first published work. All the kids and the adults in the room enjoyed this book that was playful and fresh in its retelling of Noah's story. There were creative takes on the animals and their changeable moods and attitudes, and the illustrations kept the audiences' attention as every little nook and cranny was filled with imaginatively dressed animals engaged in all kinds of activities. Back at our home, with each rereading, our grandson discovered more to look at and point out. I just ordered 6 more copies to have on hand as a great gift. It is as beautiful to look at as it is entertaining to read. We will look forward to more books from this talented and new favorite author!

Rabbi Zach Shapiro came to my attention from a colleague in LA. So I bought his book and circulated it among my colleagues at Behrman House Publishers. Sweet, charming story, delightful illustrations--and a wonderful, rich message.

In this wonderfully conceived and humorously realized picture book, the animals on Noah's ark are losing their cool waiting for the rain to stop. "The ants were antsy. The bees were bored. The camels were complaining." From A to Z all of Noah's passengers are feeling restless and irritable and they all blame him. Finally, in exasperation, Noah reminds them that they're all in this mess together, and then a true miracle happens. From A to Z they all find a way to make the journey a little bit easier. "The camels were cooperative, the dogs were diligent, and the elephants were enthusiastic." Combining a familiar bible story with an alphabetical structure and a clear message of cooperation and kindness, this book uses creative language to convey a valuable lesson about community without a trace of didacticism. Adding to the appeal are the delightfully humorous illustrations in which cartoonish animal pairs carrying an assortment of fashionable umbrellas display both their frustration and fellowship through facial expressions that are sure to make kids chuckle. Busy two-page spreads provide lots to look at as the passengers engage in various shipboard pursuits such as playing checkers and badminton and eating pizza. Fittingly, the change in mood brings about a change in the weather, and the final page finds Noah's ark sailing peacefully under a clearing sky. With kudos to the first time author, this book is heartily recommended. Ages 4-8. Teri Markson

I wasn't sure what age group this would appeal to, but a friend recommended it, so I got it for my niece. I may well have enjoyed it more than she, although she giggled a lot.

We all know the story of Noah's Ark.

It rained and It rained.
It rained so much that Noah had to build
an ark to protect all the animals.

But Zachary Shapiro has created a unique take on the bible story with We're All in the Same Boat.

At first the animals are excited about their trip, but as the days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into months, the animals begin to get restless. If you live in the northeast, you know rain can have that effect! Poor Noah finds himself with a boatload of crankly travelers--from antsy ants and bored bees to yelling yaks and zoned-out zebras. They all blame Noah and not until Noah screams, "We're all in the same boat!", do the animals begin to see things differently. Shapiro runs through the alphabet for a second time as the ants apologize, the bees behave and the zebras crawl into bed to catch their zzzz's.

The wordplay in the text makes this a fun read-aloud and not your ordinary alphabet book. Jack E. Davis' illustrations bring this witty and hilarious tale to life. Through each read, you'll discover something new in the illustrations to bring a smile to your face--from the animals eating pizza and playing tennis to camels licking Noah and quails stomping in puddles. As the animals learn to cooperate, they're tucked in for the night, and the ark sails on with a promise of peace.

I first read this book to my 3 year old who loved it. He asked that I read it again and again and again... and again- definitely a ringing endorsement! I also read this book to a group of first grade students who also loved it! This book is terrific! A fun new twist on Noah's Ark. I highly recommend it for any library, whether personal or communal!

I had so much fun reading this updated version of the Noah's Ark story. The story makes both toddlers and adults smile. The illustrations are fun and whimsical. Highly recommended for preschool libraries!

"We're All in the Same Boat" is simply fun. Shapiro and Davis have created an instant classic with beautiful art, witty writing, and a story that even the youngest of kids will enjoy. The alphabetical text adds an extra bonus to those mastering their alphabet, but also creates an inviting rhythm for pre-readers. The moral/message is an essential one - because it is connected to Noah's Ark and the animals, it is not delivered in any sort of preachy way. My niece and nephew both adore the book. Fun, bright, and one read again and again throughout childhood.