Noah's Ark

Illustrator:  Jerry Pinkney, 2002, SeaStar Books

Caldecott Award

The biblical story of Noah's Ark is arguably one of the best-known stories of all time.  God was angered at his people, so he sent a flood to destroy every living creature and plant on earth with the exception of Noah, Noah's wife, sons, sons' wives, and two of every animal.  When the waters finally receded, God sent a rainbow as a covenant that He would never again flood the earth.  It is a story of faith, trust, and deliverance, and Jerry Pinkney brings it to life in this children's book.

The pictures are extremely moving and detailed.  Every facet of the story is depicted with accuracy (as best as we know) through the fine artistic details and array of colors.  I admire Pinkney for taking such a well-known story and making it real for children in the 21st century.  If you are familiar with the story or have never heard of it, this book is a real treat for the aspects of history and faith.  I closed the book with a more vivid picture of the story in my own mind, and for someone who has heard the story all his life, I was impressed.