Noah's Ark - Hardcover

Gr 1–4—Step inside the story of the flood that destroyed humankind in this retelling of the classic biblical myth, told through notable paintings from some of history's most important artists. An introduction establishes the parable's universality. Brief passages from Genesis chapters six through nine are complemented by corresponding works of art, many of which are from the museum's collection. Although the story follows the biblical text almost verbatim, the language is simplified and the passages are short, giving the book a storybook feel and engaging readers enough to see the work through to the "rainbow among the clouds" at the end of the storm. Since this tale has for centuries inspired artists, many different periods, styles, and painters are represented, including large, full-color, quality reprints of work by Giulio Bonasone, Gustave Courbet, Joseph Anton Koch, Jacob Bouttats, and Marc Chagall. The book's final pages pay tribute to each piece, serving as a visual glossary for young art history novices. VERDICT Adults and children alike will be fascinated by this tribute to one of history's greatest parables.—Natalie Braham, Denver Public Library