Jan is so lovely, and so is everything she creates. ( )

Jan Brett's illustrations and writing are always a treat. How she managed to illustrate so many beautiful animals is beyond my comprehension. Her books are always a treat! This one came at a time needed the most!

It is a wonderful stress releasor. This woman has talent!!!!!

five Stars ( )

Beautifully illustrated. Kids will love the animals' antics, like the monkeys who pull the other animals' tails. ( )

Brett applies her artistic talents to Biblical subjects in this book - which as you can imagine is not my favourite topic - but at least the story of Noah’s arc allows her much room to exercise her love of intricate drawings, multiple storylines, and animal forms. Basically the whole book is comprised of animals, since humans (and Noah himself) play very little role except for building and driving the boat, so I didn’t have to be disgusted with the typical preachy tone. ( )

Animals come, two by two, before the rain falls. Then the ark is full and the animals are all crowded together; they push and shove. The ark rocks in the water and the animals fall asleep, all tangled together. Noah’s grandchild untangles them.

Then one day the rain stops and the sun is shining in the sky . . . .

This simply-told story speaks to the animals and their survival, and, while it takes some small liberties with the Biblical account of the flood, it shows the young reader that all the creatures of the earth have importance and that there was a plan in place for taking care of the animals when the rain came. It focuses on this one aspect of the Noah story and its retelling is simple and perfect for very young children.

With its exquisite pictures [done in watercolor and gouache], this gentle, heart-warming story is sure to become one of the young reader’s favorites.

Highly recommended. ( )