Who Built the Ark?

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

An African American spiritual takes shape as an energetic picture book about Noah's preparations for the flood. By turns sing-along (``Who built the ark? / Noah! Noah!''), counting exercise (``In come the animals two by two'') and descriptive poem (``Old man Noah built the ark. / He built it out of hickory bark''), the lyrics offer something for everybody. While some of the traditional phrasing may prove a bit cumbersome to beginning readers, the simple plot rings clear. Paparone's acrylic paintings capture a joyous spirit in their depictions of frolicking animals, intermittently juxtaposed with images of a swaying church choir. Her dusty palette holds the fun in check, though, and lends an air of reverence to the work. Sheet music and a note about the tune's origins round out the volume nicely. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3-Paparone uses illustrations effectively to place a familiar spiritual in its cultural context while portraying the tale of Noah and the ark. The Bible story that forms the basis of the song's lyrics is preceded and followed by scenes of a rural congregation of African-American worshippers. (Noah bears a strong resemblance to the elderly preacher). Small pictures of an exuberant young girl and several choir members occasionally appear next to the large, colorful scenes of Noah's efforts to build the ark and get the animals on board. Paparone's folk-art style complements the spiritual's words and rhythm. Unlike Rick Brown's recent book of the same title (Viking, 1994), which is notable mainly for its unusual format, this version can be used on a number of levels, including as an interesting counting book. The artwork is not as detailed as Barbara Reid's in Two by Two (Scholastic, 1991), which expanded the song's narrative line as well. Paparone provides a full piano accompaniment for those who want to join in, and begins with a brief note about the African-American musical tradition. An attractive counting and song book.-Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN

Carolyn Phelan

The introduction identifies this song as an African American spiritual that probably originated in rural churches. In keeping with that theme, Paparone's full-color, acrylic artwork illustrates not only the building and loading of the art, but also the singing of the spiritual in an African American country church. The white-bearded minister reappears as Noah, leading his congregation in song and leading the animals onto the ark. When read aloud, the text sounds a bit flat, a common problem with picture books based on songs. For storytellers who want to learn the song and sing along with the picturessimple piano music and chords appear on the endpapersthis has possibilities. The illustrations have a certain naive charm, but so many outstanding picture books have appeared based on the story of Noah's ark that few libraries would buy this on the basis of art alone. However, the framework story of spiritual singing and the African American milieu should be a draw. For another recent version, see Rick Brown's "Who Built the Ark?".