Ray Jane : Noah'S Ark (Hbk)

Biblical text and illustrations depict how Noah and his family were singled out by God to be saved from the great flood, along with two animals of each kind.

PreSchool-Grade 3-- Ray abridges and slightly rearranges the Biblical text to form a smooth narrative, retaining most of the familiar cadences. What makes this picture-book version of the familiar tale exceptional is the design. Paintings at the top of each two-page spread illustrate the words in the white area that divides the large upper painting from a narrow illustrated border near the bottom. These panels serve both as extensions of the story and as decorative borders. Still narrower borders edge both large and small paintings in a style reminiscent of Tomie dePaola's use of quilt designs as frames for illustrations. Ray employs a folk art/primitive style with flattened perspective in harmony with the boxed page layout. Her animals are varied and engaging. Children will delight in exploring the pictures on their own long after an adult has shared the story with them. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Luminously colored drawings accompany the words of Genesis to tell the story of Noah. In a style that synthesizes many traditions, Ray nods knowingly at the vivacity and naive perspective of folk art; she liberally echoes the ancient Egyptian use of friezes; and she borrows from medieval ornamentation and composition as well. Imaginative, mural-like panels adorn the spaces between text and the lower margins of the pages. Ray's use of color conveys her exuberance and delight: her work looks at once fresh and traditional. The panoply of animal pairs boarding the ark is crafted with great charm; the sturdy vessel rocks upon green waters that are alive with creatures of the sea. When the storm abates, a verdant tapestry of life pours out of the ark to renew the earth. The story of the Flood is interpreted here as an ecological parable, with illustrations stressing the abundance of nature, the sin of fouling it and the joy of its cultivation. A minor but discordant note: one of humanity's misdeeds in those ancient times is depicted as factories spewing smoke into the atmosphere. Overall, though, this is a verbal and visual treat. All ages .
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.