Noah builds an ark by Kate Banks, illustrated by John Rocco

This contemporary retelling of the classical Bible story, depicts a sensitive boy who cares deeply for all the creatures around him.

The story begins with Noah, a boy with curly dark hair and brown skin, peeping over the fence to see a storm coming down the hill in his city. As his parents prepare the house for the storm, boarding up windows, getting out candles, and stockpiling food, Noah prepares his small friends for the storm. He creates a roof for the bed of an old wagon and fills it with food, miniature furniture, a flashlight, and other comforts. When the storm hits, Noah and his family are safe in their home; and his small friends are safe in their ark. Hummingbirds, salamanders, snakes, spiders, grasshoppers, and toads all weather the storm in safety within their ark. The creatures hiss, buzz, and sing while the family in their house tell stories; they nibble on snacks, curl up for bed, and when the storm is over emerge to see the glorious rainbow and fill Noah's yard with life one more.

Rocco's pictures were created in pencil and watercolor and rendered digitally; they show a glow of light in the sky and on Noah's skin, the gathering storm clouds, and the individual personalities of each little creature as they wait for the storm to end. The rising waters, dark sky, and anxious families waiting to see if they make it through the storm are shadowed in grays and the joyful return to the world at the end shines with all the colors of the rainbow.

There are many layers and possibilities for this book; readers familiar with the Biblical story can discuss the parallels and differences and look at the book from a religious perspective as both Noah and his parents care for those under their protection. Readers unfamiliar with the story or approaching it from a non-religious viewpoint can discuss how Noah cares for the wildlife in his home and what things they can do to help their own backyard creatures. All readers can enjoy this imaginative, warm story for its lovely text and rich art.

Verdict: A strong addition to any library, this is a great choice for a preschool or older storytime, one-on-one reading, or retelling traditional stories.

ISBN: 9780763674847; Published March 2019 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library