Module 3: On Noah's Ark

Brett, Jan. 2003. On Noah’s Ark. Illus. by the author. G.P. Putnam’s Sons: New York. ISBN 0-399-24028-4.

Readers will be refreshed by this version of the Old Testament story of Noah and the ark. The paired animals march onto the ark. The flooding rains cover the earth for forty days and nights while the animals sleep peacefully on the ark. As the water recedes, Noah guides the ark to dry land and safety. Life returns to normal. All of these events were told from the perspective of Noah’s grandson. Seeing this story through the eyes of a child gives it a revitalizing appreciation and sense of a miracle. Despite the religious nature of the story, the text is not preachy or theological. In fact, God is not mentioned in the text.
The illustrations cover the central portion of the book and are surrounded by the text on either side. Each page resembles a woven fabric. The text is simple and is appropriately overshadowed by the illustrations. These colorful and realistic watercolor illustrations will leave readers amazed and awe-struck by their intricacy. Readers can feel the mist from the flooding rains and sense the peace on the ark as the animals sleep. This book is another remarkable contribution Jan Brett has made to children’s literature.