Two by Two

Beautifully and imaginatively illustrated with sculpted plasticine! The text is simple and in rhyme, and set to a simple tune at the back of the book; the real richness of this book is in the delightful detail of the pictures. Lots to look at, from peacocks to beavers. Our favourite is the picture of the inside of the ark. I also like that Mrs Noah (Naamah, not named in this story) here takes her rarely-told role from ancient Jewish tradition, of gathering plants and seeds for the Ark.
- AS

I discovered this lovely book in a cabinet containing illustrated books. I completely forgot about the stash contained in this large storage space, and now I've moved the books to a place where I can easily find these gems. I am on a mission to read books from my shelves.

The images contained in this small book are unique. The descriptive first page notes that the illustrations were
made with plasticine that was shaped and pressed onto an illustrated board. Acrylic glaze was then used for shiny or metallic effects. I imagine this process took a lot of time. The effort is well worth the end product!

This is a special way to represent the animals and people who walked up the ramp to Noah's Ark and became one of two needed to continue after show more the arc landed when the water receded.

God was mad, and the author of this book notes that with a frown God said, "Wash it clean! Let them drown!"
Still there were animals and people who must be saved, and god found brave Noah (a good and kind man) to build an ark. Making it long, tall and wide, there was just enough room for two of each critter inside.

The author has a role for Mrs. Noah (having a mini role in other renditions to the biblical story.) Gardeners will be happy to know that Mrs. Noah collected seeds from every flower and tree, including weeds. Interestingly, women have a role in ensuring survival, not only of seeds, but after the sons brought food for every critter and person, the wives carefully packed all the food for storage.

Animals pushed their way up the ramp and Noah led them pushing, shoving, four by four to get into the vessel's door. Increasingly, the animals came five by five, six by six, seven by seven, and then the first drop of rain began to fall from heaven. Now animals packed eight by eight, nine by nine, and ten by ten.

Then, a loud boom as the door closed and the water began to pour. And, it continued to cascade for forty days and forty nights. Pushed, shoved noisily inside the arc, all survived.

The bats were released trying to find a spot that was dry. After a week, the bats did not return, so Noah sent another bird. The peaceful dove was successful in confirming dry land was found. Did the animals rush off the ark after the confinement?

A rainbow shone in the sky as a sign that seasons and days will continue as God commanded that man, woman and animals must live in harmony and peace. show less

A Noah's Ark story, but the animals are the stars of this picture book. Wonderful detailed illustrations made from plasticine, by Barbara Reid. Fun for children to spot and name all the creatures that come in, two by two.

Using simple poetry, large print, and photographed Plasticine figures, the story tells of Noah, his family, and the animals during the 40 days and nights of rain. At the end of the book is a delightful song about Noah for the children to learn.

Illustrator: Ian Crysler
A great book to help educate children about the story of the Great Flood. This is a book to be read in a religion class as it focuses on many religious elements. It can also help reinforce children’s understanding about rhyming words and counting as both concepts are present in this book.

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