All Aboard for Noah’s Ark!

PreS-Gr 2–Digitally created collages use rich hues and textures to offer a new twist on the story of Noah’s Ark. In this version, tenacious hedgehogs Lionel and Dolores offer all manner of help: Lionel offers Noah his event-planning business card and says, “I will make sure everything goes off without a hitch!” Noah responds, “But you’re so tiny. A bigger animal could lift and carry more. I’ll ask the bears to help.” The hedgehogs refuse to take no for an answer, sending out invitations and iceberg transport to faraway animals, comfort to “‘fraidy-cats,” and food, all while Noah consistently overlooks them in favor of bigger, scarier, wiser, and even fluffier animals. Young readers will enjoy discovering all the clever ways, embedded into the illustrations, where the tenacious hedgehogs insert their assistance. After 40 days and 40 nights, hapless Noah finally notices. “You two really saved the day! You may be small, but you are powerful!” Often clunky text may diminish the read-aloud possibilities, but the dual messages remain clear: don’t overlook the little helpers and never give up.