Who Built the Ark?: An African-American Spiritual - Hardcover

Paparone, Pam

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0671871293 ISBN 13: 9780671871291

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1994

Synopsis

A brightly illustrated version of a vibrant African-American spiritual provides a perfect accompaniment to a singalong as it depicts the animals entering Noah's ark two by two until they all are safe. Doubleday Children's Alt.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 3-Paparone uses illustrations effectively to place a familiar spiritual in its cultural context while portraying the tale of Noah and the ark. The Bible story that forms the basis of the song's lyrics is preceded and followed by scenes of a rural congregation of African-American worshippers. (Noah bears a strong resemblance to the elderly preacher). Small pictures of an exuberant young girl and several choir members occasionally appear next to the large, colorful scenes of Noah's efforts to build the ark and get the animals on board. Paparone's folk-art style complements the spiritual's words and rhythm. Unlike Rick Brown's recent book of the same title (Viking, 1994), which is notable mainly for its unusual format, this version can be used on a number of levels, including as an interesting counting book. The artwork is not as detailed as Barbara Reid's in Two by Two (Scholastic, 1991), which expanded the song's narrative line as well. Paparone provides a full piano accompaniment for those who want to join in, and begins with a brief note about the African-American musical tradition. An attractive counting and song book.
Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Ages 4-6. The introduction identifies this song as an African American spiritual that probably originated in rural churches. In keeping with that theme, Paparone's full-color, acrylic artwork illustrates not only the building and loading of the art, but also the singing of the spiritual in an African American country church. The white-bearded minister reappears as Noah, leading his congregation in song and leading the animals onto the ark. When read aloud, the text sounds a bit flat, a common problem with picture books based on songs. For storytellers who want to learn the song and sing along with the picturessimple piano music and chords appear on the endpapersthis has possibilities. The illustrations have a certain naive charm, but so many outstanding picture books have appeared based on the story of Noah's ark that few libraries would buy this on the basis of art alone. However, the framework story of spiritual singing and the African American milieu should be a draw. For another recent version, see Rick Brown's Who Built the Ark?. Carolyn Phelan

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0671871293
• ISBN 13: 9780671871291
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Paparone Pam