I sat down with Little Man (age 6) to have my first look. I knew it was a wordless book but Little Man didn’t. He saw the first page and said, “Cool!” The illustrations kind of jump out at you and your eyes beg to dive deeper into all that is occurring on each page. Being so caught up in the pictures, it took Little Man a few minutes to realize there weren’t words.
The first few pictures show Noah and his wife living a normal life. The next set demonstrate the emotions that Noah felt upon hearing from God to build the boat. I love his wife’s face in the image above. So telling. All of the emotions expressed are amazing. Next is an architecturally sketch of the ark. Little Man and I had a great conversation explaining that God give Noah specific instructions. Then the book takes you on the journey of building the ark, gathering animals, the flood, and God’s promise.
I love the little things that Mr. Ludy adds to the story. The dinosaur helping to build the ark. The tears coming from Noah’s eyes as he begs people to join him as a flood is coming. Snow falling and the clothes line on the ark. Fishing off the side of the ark and Noah’s love for the animals. These add so much life to the story.
After reading through the story, I told Little Man that the illustrator hid a little mouse named Squeakers on each page. He has spent hours looking for this little mouse on every page. We have only found him on about 25% of the 64 pages. You really have to look! But in looking for Squeakers, you see so many aspects of the pictures that you would have missed otherwise. I found out that the author has not yet revealed where all the Squeakers are. So…we will continue to scour each page for the little mouse.
And because I have to give my honest opinion and show you both sides…
I feel like I know the story of Noah pretty well. But even then, I wasn’t quite sure what the illustrator was trying to share on a few pages. Also, the book shows that Noah’s children were born after Noah heard from God to build the boat. I am not a Bible scholar but I question the accuracy on this. (Be sure to contact me if you have wisdom to share!) Either way, I would encourage you to read the Biblical account of Noah before looking through the book. Without prior knowledge it would be hard to lead a child through this book.
Second, I felt like the pictures included a lot of modern touch. Once again, I am not a scholar on pre-flood tools and home products but I question whether Noah truly had hanging glass lanterns with decorative additions in the ark. The tools look very modern as well. The glass windows are gorgeous but not sure about timely. Then again, let me know if I am incorrect!
Last, a couple of illustrations can be a little dark by showing people falling to their death or drowning. While this is very accurate and a fact of life, it could be a little much for younger kiddos. I used the situation as a teachable moment to explain to Little Man that there are consequences for disobedience and not listening to God’s warnings. No, it probably won’t be death instantly, but disobedience has definite consequences. Then we discussed the consequences that he has when he choices his way over God’s way.
No book will be 100%, exactly what you desire. But those few things can be wonderful conversations starters with your child (age appropriate, of course) if you grab hold of the opportunity.
In review: Noah: A Wordless Picture Book. Opening your eyes to a man who obeyed God.
Giveaway
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Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of this product in exchange for this review and post.
Would love to win this for my family! The book looks so unique! My favorite Bible story is The story of God calling out to Samuel and Eli telling Samuel that it is God. Angela P
Great illustrations.
Favorite story is that of Joseph because it gives so many great life lessons and messages. Working hard with little and your opportunity to do much will come. Not speaking against others despite how they have wronged you, "life is not fair," and ultimately forgiveness and restoration.
would love to win this! my favorite bible story is the story of the fiery furnace and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. i love telling it to my children.
Jessica C.
Tracy k. My favorite bible story is Ruth and Naomi.
Nicole M I love the story of Gideon:)
Priti D. My son's favorite Bible story is jonah and the whale. He will love figuring the story of this pictureless book.
Amie R. Jonah and the Whale
Amber S. I'm studying the life of Moses this year and have identified so much with the grumbling, forgetful Israelites. I am thankful for our God's mercy and compassion!
Bethany H.
My favorite Bible story is when Moses' mom decides to hide him from being killed by Pharoah by placing him in a basket on the river and trusting God will save him. I can't imagine having to do that with my baby boy! And then God shows how he cares about the details and allows the mom to be the wet nurse for Moses after the princess had found him. This story really pulls at my heart as a mom and is also a beautiful example of God's faithfulness to redeem any situation for his greater plan!
Brandie B
My favorite story has always been Noah, because the Lord gave a promise to never destroy people by flood again. Every rainbiw I pause to thank God for his love.
Carlene M
Favorite Story- Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead
Marina G
Esther
Mindy T.
We would love to have this book!
Love the story of Gideon!
Kristen E
Favorite story is Daniel
Karen V.
I would love to have this book for my little ones! My favorite Bible story is Hosea and Gomer, as it is such a beautiful example of God's unending love even when we are unfaithful.
Would love this book as well! Fantastic! My favorite bible story is the story of Esther. What a strong woman of courage and picture of trusting in the Lord!
Looks like a beautiful book my family would enjoy. My favorite story is when the Lord speaks to young Samuel. Thanks! Linda G.
Elizabeth S. The story of Nehemiah rebuilding .
Helena H. My favorite story is that of Joseph.
Jackie G.
Jacob & Rachel
Amanda B
David and Goliath
Sarah G. (I thought I had already posted, so if this is a duplicate, feel free to delete it!)
Joseph & his dream coat followed closely by the nativity
Sarah G.
musclesjo
Melanie P. too hard to pick a favorite! Love Gideon, Daniel, David, the prodigal son… 🙂
Amy m.
the birth of Jesus.
amymarie1218@
Cloudnine_86. (Subscribed to blog)
Whinnie30
Debra C
My favorite Bible story is Joseph. When I first started teaching Sunday School, the curriculum I was using literally spent 20 lessons in Joseph and we were learning new things from his story in each lesson. After all that, you'd think I would have learned it all, but just the other day, I was reading it again and learned yet another lesson. This is the magic of the Bible. We will never be done learning from it.
Julia P – I love the story of Esther.
Tara R. My favorite story is of Abraham and Isaac
Our favorite bible story is Joshua and the walls of Jericho. My girls love marching around the wall (the coffee table) playing their trumpets (paper towel rolls). Angela F.
Heather L. My 2yo son is OBSESSED with the story of Noah. He asks us to tell it to him every night. 🙂 He likes to extend it a little bit by naming aaaaalll of the animals twice. lol
hrlmercygirl subscribed to the blog! 🙂
Nicole C – Favorite study is hard to choose, but in studying the life of Moses (Exodus) this year I have come to relate to the Isrealites learning the same lessons over & over again – I am not the only one!
Katie O. My favorite story is the tower of Babel. My son's favorite is Jonah and the whale!
Lynn S – David
Amy B
My favorite story has always been of Jacob and Esau
I love the story of Esther
Abby H.
Denise D. Favorite bible story is too hard to choose there are so many