A picture book that tells the tale of Noah and his ark. Animals two by two on the ark that saved creation, the story told for kids.

Peter Spier is an author and an illustrator, and a maybe little known fact about this man is that he spent time in Theresienstadt during WW 2. On the first page of Noah's Ark, in the background is a picture of a burning town with an army moving across the foreground. The text reads "...But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." This could have a double meaning, for Mr. Spier regarding his experiences during the 1940s. A few pages later, Mr. Spier has included as an introduction a translated Dutch poem (1586-1658) The Flood. The rest of the book, until the very last page is just ilustrations. On the last page, the first comment is finished ...and he planted a vineyard." Peter Spier's "Noah's Ark" reminds me of the purpose of stained glass windows in cathedrals. The scenes in the windows were created to explain the Bible many could not read. The illustrations in "Noah's Ark" are so detailed they don't need a supporting text. They are beautiful watercolors telling a story to an emerging reader. ( )

This is an excellent illustrated picture book of the events of the flood. Peter Spier did an amazing job relaying the story without even using words. May not be the best readaloud book however it is one to have on the shelf in the room for sure. Best for younger children K-2. ( )

Publisher's Weekly 9/7/1992

This Caldecott winner tells the biblical rainy-day tale with practically no text and his signature delicate, detailpacked illustrations. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)

Personal Review:

A beautiful representation of the Noah's Ark story that begins with a Dutch poem by Jacobus Revius. I have never heard or seen the poem 'The Flood' before, but it is a concise telling of the loading of the ark. Rhyming couplets, each line three syllables, tells the entire story in 60 short lines. But the best is in the middle of the book...the illustrations! Realistic, yet humorous and believeable, you can almost smell the soiled bedding, hear the chaotic zoo in a contained vessel, and feel Noah and his son's frustration with keeping a semblance of order. Then you can see and feel the relief when the waters recede enough for them to start looking for a landing site. The detail is fantastic. ( )

This book really shows the story of Noah's Ark as it really was. My family is really religious, so I was so exicted to see that he liked it so much! It had alot of color, imaginiation, and is a wonderful picture book! ( )