Noah Builds an Ark
Written by Kate Banks
Illustrated by John Rocco
It seems a little silly to call this a quiet book, since the central event is a storm that lasts four days, but quiet it is. In it, the reader learns a lot about what it takes to survive such a storm and how beneficial it is to be helpful to those around us.
As Noah’s family readies for a big storm, Noah worries about the small creatures he regularly meets in his backyard. As his father boards up the windows, Noah prepares his wagon for the salamanders, field mice, hummingbirds, and spiders to take shelter. He removes the wheels and adds a roof and walls. As his mother and sister stack groceries in the kitchen, Noah gathers seeds and other foods for the animals. With the yard flooded, the animals are indeed safe inside Noah’s ark.
As always, Rocco’s beautiful illustrations are important part of the story. Imagine living through such a big storm and being in the ark.
Though it’s somewhat doubtful that all of Noah’s creatures would share this type of space, the heartwarming way in which the story is presented make this a tale worth embracing. It makes the reader wonder how they can help others, especially those animals mentioned.
Title: Noah Builds an Ark- Author: Kate Banks
- Illustrator: John Rocco
- Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2019
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
- Grade Level: PreK to 2
- Genre: Ecology, Empathy
- ISBN: 978-0-7636-7484-7