Module 2/SLIS 5420/June 15-21
NOAH'S ARK
by
Peter Spier
Bibliography
Spier, Peter. Noah's Ark. Doubleday & Comapny, Inc., 1977. ISBN: 0-385-09473-6
Summary
Illustrated by Peter Spier, the Bible story of Noah is completely and wonderfully shared through the pictorially detailed illustrations. To begin, a 17th century Dutch poem, THE FLOOD, by Jacobus Revius, translated by Spier, serves as the introduction to the pictures that follow. The soft colors and pastels are eye-pleasing and contribute to the beauty of the story of Noah and his dedication to following the Lord's will through the building of the ark and subsequent flood. Only the anticipation of what awaits you on the next page compels you to turn the page you are presently enjoying. Each page is a study in detail that is matched only by another book by Peter Spier.
A Page from My Book
The story of Noah is most likely one of the earliest Bible stories remembered from our childhood and Bible teachings. This is a book that I had to have for my own. I do not tire of studying the illustrations and enjoying Spier's touches of humor. Surely everyone noticed the proliferation of rabbits bounding down the gangplank at the end of the book! Even without the use of text, the pictures speak and stir emotion. Not forgotten are images depicting those animals left behind. Wild and crazy scenes aboard the ark are separated by calmer representations providing reflection as well as those portraying worry and concern being experienced by Noah as the journey progresses. This is one of my favorite books and one I highly recommend for all ages.
Reviews/Awards
* "The colors are lovely. The scenes are unbelievably detailed ... the book is a triumph, the definitive 'Noah's Ark' ". - Publisher's Weekly
* Caldecott Medal - 1978
* The American Book Award
* ALA Notable Children's Book
* The Christopher Award
* New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year - 1977
Suggested Activities
Compare other renditions of the story of Noah using Jan Brett's On Noah's Ark and Jerry Pinkney's Noah's Ark.
Expand on the Dutch poem found at the beginning of Spier's interpretation by writing additional new lines or separate, original short verses on the topic. Illustrations accompanying the verse could be an extension of this activity.
Again...another EXCELLENT choice! The illustrations are powerful. You can almost feel/hear the animals thoughts. It makes me laugh when you see the page where the Ark has become crowded and stinky. Poor Noah! I was also sad looking at the page with the animals that were left behind. This book is proof of the power of an illustration.
ReplyDeleteWell said - "proof of the power of an illustration". I see something new every time I linger over the pages. They certainly command attention and stir one's thoughts.
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