Nora's Ark

Wow. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I was honestly on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think that the grandpa and grandma in this story are the coolest people ever. The grandpa was so sweet building this new house for his wife. When the flood started everyone lost their homes, but everyone was able to gather in the safety of this new house on the hill. The grandma was so brave and so kind, she was already prepared for everything. I think it was so awesome that they let all of the animals into the house to stay safe, and once the house was packed with 23 people, they still didn't mind letting the animals stay. I think this story teaches us such a good lesson about empathy and being kind to your neighbor.

At first glance I thought that this book would be about a heroic young girl saving all the animals in the neighborhood. However, it turned out to be quite a different story, having many heroic figures. The grandfather being the biggest heroic figure during this natural disaster by building his wife a house on the hill. Nora being heroic and kind enough to let her neighbor and their farm animals in her house. Finally, Wren for making sure the food and grandpa getting back to the house safely. The climax of this book had me on edge, I assumed that the grandpa wasn't going to make it back in time. And when Nora and Wren found him and they all returned back home safely I was very over joyed. I loved how the author never made the story too show more fluffy it was very realistic throughout, shedding light on the horrific reality of natural disasters. After reading this book I only have one thought, or question perhaps.... did grandpa every go back and cut the cow out of the tree. show less

I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Usually I lean towards funny or slightly off-center picture books, but with Nora's Ark, I was turning pages because I wanted to see what would happen next. Based on the real life Vermont flood of 1927, Kinsey-Warnock tells her story simply with gentle humor. According to the HarperCollins website all of Kinsey-Warnock's books are based on events and stories from her family's history which makes this story all the more poignant. Emily Arnold McCully's artwork is well suited to the story, the washes of watercolor clearly evoke the storm-soaked surroundings wihle she still captures the details such as character expressions. This could work for storytime for older children although it's a show more little too long for the preschool set. show less

Wren's grandpa just so happen to build them a new home higher up on the hill. Before they moved in they decided to use the empty house as shelter from the rising river. Soon their whole community including all of their neighbors and farm animals took shelter in their home. This story is about the Vermont Flood of 1927. In the back of the book you can get more information on the flood and the devastation that it caused. I never really thought about a flood bringing so much devastation to an area before which is funny since I live in New Orleans. But it is hard to imagine flooding being so bad without a hurricane. This story really shows the reader how intense it can be. It also shows the importance of community and helping one another. show more If they had not all gotten together in that house, many of them and the animals would have died, and if they had kept the house to themselves they would have been cold. show less

This is a wonderful story of an account of Wren's family during the 1927 Vermont Flood. "Nora's Ark" takes you through the days prior during, and post the flood. Wren's grandpa built a new house for himself, Wren, and her grandma just in time. The house was built on a hill, high enough to face the flood waters. When the water starts rising Wren and her grandma go to the new house to beat the flood while her grandpa goes out to help people. Neighbors and their animals start flocking to the house on the hill for refuge. Through the storm, many people come to stay at the house and help each other. This a great story about neighbors pulling together to help through tough times. I love the illustrations in this story, just beautiful. show more Overall, I love this story. I like how it is very clear on what disaster it is talking about. This is a great book for children to learn about this historic disaster and how helping others is very important. show less

Nora's Ark took place during the time of the 1927 Flood. Nora, her husband, and her grandson lived on a little farm by a river in Vermont. Her husband was building her a new house, but she didn't think she needed it. She didn't think she needed this new house until it began to rain so hard that the city began to flood. Nora and her grandson had to move into the new house. As the rain continued, neighbors began to show up at the new house with their families and animals. Nora let them stay there as well. That's how to story of Nora's Ark came about. This story shows what's most important in life: family, friends, and neighbors helping neighbors. I think this would a great story for younger children to read when learning about Noah's Ark. show more These two stories would be great to compare and contrast. show less

This book, which is based on the real-life event, the Vermont Flood of 1927, truly captures the sympathy and strength of people coming together to help each other out during a time of crisis. Wren's grandpa builds a new house on a hill. However, Nora doesn't want to move since she has all she needs in her current house. After a flood, Nora's family moves up to the new house since it is on higher ground. Several families and even animals end up in the house since the whole town is flooded. Wren's grandpa then realizes that family, friends, and neighbors are what's important in life. The illustrations are colorful and I think they help children imagine the story and better understand what is going on.