The Enduring Ark - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 9380340184 ISBN 13: 9789380340180

Publisher: Tara Books, 2013

Synopsis

"The book’s innovative accordion design illustrated in the Bengal Patua style of scroll painting is just one of the sumptuous design elements that distinguish it as a remarkable offering. . . A gorgeous re-envisioning of an old, old story." — Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

"This striking version is illustrated by Joydeb Chitrakar in a Bengali style of scroll painting—with rich colors, strong black lines." — The Wall Street Journal

"The stunning illustrations—which really constitute one continual image—reflect an openhearted, instantly accessible folk art aesthetic . . . a glorious example of storytelling’s universality."— Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"An arresting first image—God’s huge, baleful eye—is the visual source of all that follows. . . provocative" — The Horn Book Magazine

"This beautifully designed and intelligently produced retelling of the flood expands the bounds of bookmaking." — Shelf Awareness

In this Indian version of the Biblical tale, talented Bengali Patua scroll painter Joydeb Chitrakar leads the reader from a deluge of water to a rainbow of hope. A book that can be leafed through in the traditional way or unfolded out as an accordion, the vibrant illustrations and concise text provide a singular approach to an ancient, universal story. Suitable for children ages 6+.

US Grade Level Equivalent: 3, US Guided Reading Level: O

About this title

About the Author

A highly original and creative voice in contemporary Indian publishing, Gita Wolf is known for her interest in exploring and experimenting with the form of the book. She has written over twenty books for children and adults, many of which have been translated into multiple languages and recognized internationally. Joydeb Chitrakar is an artist working in the Patua scroll painting tradition from West Bengal in India. The Enduring Ark is his second project with Tara Books, the first being the handmade scrollbook Tsunami, an accordion book which he collaborated with his wife Moyna to produce. He lives in Nirbhaypur Village, West Bengal, India with his wife Moyna & their children.

From School Library Journal

Gr 1 Up-Although dubbed an "Indian version of the Biblical tale," Wolf's narrative differs little from many available picture books about Noah. Disappointed by greedy, violent people, God vows to wipe out creation and start again. Noah and his wife build an ark, gather animals, and survive the flood that destroys every other living thing. Forty days later, they land on a mountain. After a dove returns with an olive branch, everyone disembarks. God thanks the weary humans by creating a rainbow as a sign of hope. The Indian elements of this version are the format and illustrations. Chitrakar employs a Bengal Patua school painting style. The accordion pages can be read as a traditional book or extended to a panorama more than seven feet long. Some illustrations are striking, particularly the initial image of God as a huge eye with fiery tendrils shooting upward while rivers of tears stream down to converge in waters that flow across all the pages. Noah and Na'mah not only look alike but also resemble the smiling corpses floating in the waves. The two-dimensional paintings have a static quality. Animals board and disembark in orderly lines and journey in tidy compartments. Young readers may be intrigued by the fold-out panorama, but most libraries are probably well supplied with other versions of this story. Older students in art or design might enjoy studying Chitrakar's style. For a version of a Hindu flood tale for young readers consider Roberta Arenson's Manu and the Talking Fish (Barefoot, 2000).-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankatoα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Tara Books
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 9380340184
• ISBN 13: 9789380340180
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 34