Brett, Jan. On Noah’s Ark. New York: Penguin, 2009. Unpaginated. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25220-4 (board book). Ages 3 to 5.

A librarian once told me that the story of Noah’s ark has been written and illustrated more than any other Bible story. So, aren’t there enough versions of this story by now? On Noah’s Ark, originally published in 2003, shows us why there is still room for new perspectives of this popular story. Noah’s granddaughter (Who knew?) tells the story in simple, flowing sentences. We are captivated by the sound and rhythm of the words. The story begins when “Grandpa Noah says that the rains are coming” and ends when “we will all be settled into this new place.” On this ship, the animals push and shove each other, but ultimately “fall asleep all jumbled together” as if they were in a giant cradle.

The watercolor and gouache illustrations create the magic in this book with bright colors, exquisite rendering of realistic details, and lively expressions on the faces of the people and animals. The design is interesting and imaginative. Each double page has one central panel, with a small inset on either side, like a microcosm of the larger picture. There is only one proviso: Brett’s version is completely secular, with no mention of God or why He caused the flood. Recommended.

© Anne Dublin.

Originally published in AJL Newsletter, May/June 2009.

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