Aardvarks, Disembark!

From Publishers Weekly From the start, when readers discover this book's pages open vertically instead of horizontally, it's obvious that Jonas ( Color Dance ; Round Trip ) is bent on taking a different approach to the tale of Noah and the Ark. After a brief recap of the familiar Bible story, Noah takes a roll call (aardvarks to zebras) and discovers that there are still many animals waiting to disembark. Readers are then treated to 13 spreads devoted to the more exotic leftovers--such unusual creatures as aurochs and gerenuks, lechwes, peludos and urumutums. Although Jonas's lucid artwork is appealing and her concept intriguing, interest ultimately flags as the book becomes merely a listing, with only a tenuous story line to hold it together. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Jonas begins her picture book at a point where most Noah's ark stories end. Once the dove returns with an olive branch, Noah begins the process of unloading the animals. Jonas accompanies Noah on his trip down the mountain past the disembarking animals. Past zebus and tuataras, past margays and aoudads, Noah joins the creatures ready to begin life on Earth again. Jonas' watercolor paintings are striking, introducing dozens of animals rarely seen in picture books. Page layout and design effectively enhance the feeling of descent since the pages open upward, creating a vertical orientation. As Noah proceeds through reverse alphabetical order, the animals increase in size, giving viewers the sensation of standing on the plain as the creatures approach. Adults called upon to read this book may tremble when faced with a daunting list of unfamiliar names to pronounce, but the guide to animals on the last page not only supplies pronunciation help but also provides a brief description of each animal. Growing attention to conservation and the increasingly popular concept of zoos and wildlife refuges as types of modern arks should extend this book's interest and usefulness to those well beyond preschool. As an alphabet book, an introduction to endangered species, and an example of impressive graphic design, Jonas' book brings new dimensions to the Noah story. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MNCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.