We're All in the Same Boat - Hardcover

Shapiro, Zachary R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399243933 ISBN 13: 9780399243936

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 2009

Synopsis

Things aren?t going very well on Noah?s ark. The animals thought they were in for a great adventure, but as days turn into weeks and the rain just doesn?t stop, Noah fi nds himself with a boatload of cranky travelers?from antsy ants and bored bees to yelling yaks and zoned-out zebras. They?re going to have to learn to cooperate in order to save this voyage, and Noah has just the right words to bring everyone together.

Brought to life by Jack E. Davis?s uproarious illustrations, this witty and heartwarming alphabetical play on the Noah?s ark tale makes for the perfect rainy-day read-aloud.

About this title

About the Author

Zachary Shapiro lives in Southern California.

Jack E. Davis lives in Port Townsend, Washington

Reviews

Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 2—For the first few days after they board the ark to escape the heavy rain, the animals enjoy the novelty of the voyage. However, as weeks pass, tempers start to flare, and an alphabetic litany of animals and their grievances begins. Camels complain, kangaroos kick, yaks yell, and the rest of the passengers contribute to the miserable atmosphere. Finally, Noah calls a halt to the uproar with a resounding shout to remind the creatures that they have to get along on a crowded boat. The next pass through the alphabet is much more congenial. Iguanas invite jaguars to jam. Quails quote rhymes with rabbits at a penguin party. In short, spirits improve considerably. Davis's hilarious illustrations of the facial expressions and actions of the various animals add to the liveliness and humor. Lots of interactions occur simultaneously, giving readers much to explore visually. Aside from the basic premise of Noah and a huge assortment of animals, there's little relation to the familiar Bible tale. Shapiro has crafted a humorous alphabet story with an underlying message of cooperation—a winning combination.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
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At first, the animal couples are excited about their cruise on Noah’s Ark. But when the rain goes on and on, the giraffes are grumpy, the hyenas are hysterical, the iguanas are impatient, and they all blame Noah, until he yells at them: “We’re all in the same boat!” Then things turn around: the elephants become more enthusiastic, the foxes tell fables, the giraffes make gifts, and the kangaroos play kickball. The text's alphabet wordplay, alliteration, and parody will have kids and adults laughing out loud; and the bright, colorful double-page spreads extend the verbal fun in scenes of the dressed-up animal passengers munching pizza on deck or wearing sunglasses and mouthing off as they play checkers. Children will enjoy practicing the big words about feeling vexed, livid, and exasperated. Grades K-3. --Hazel Rochman

Edition details

• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0399243933
• ISBN 13: 9780399243936
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Davis Jack E.
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 32