This past Shabbat, Jews all over the world read the story of Noah (and Hebrew school students made ark-related art projects - see below!). There are many books (and songs) retelling the story of the ark and the animals but almost none mention the women who were present - the wives of Noah and his sons. In
Naamah and the Ark at Night by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, at attempt is made at telling the story from Noah's wife Naamah's point of view. While it's a great idea in theory, I found it lacking in execution. The story follows Naamah, whose name according to some interpretations means great singer, as she sings the animals and people on board to sleep. However, the book is unique in that it plays with a largely unknown (to me and probably you) form of Arab poetry.
What is your favorite children's book about Noah? How does it approach the story? From a Jewish or Christian perspective? Traditional or modern?
Beautiful artwork. Where might I see it on display? Are tickets needed?
ReplyDelete@Arthur: Don't you mean "arkwork?" Couldn't resist.
ReplyDeleteI like the illustrations in this book but my favourite 'Noah' book continues to be Why Noah Chose the Dove by Isaac Bashevis Singer and with illustrations by Eric Carle. Both the text and the pictures are outstanding!
ReplyDelete