Telling the story of Noah

SARAH B. BOXER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency

When a group of children was asked why Noah was chosen to survive the great flood, Carmen, 8, had a ready answer: "That Noah person had connections. He knew a couple of angels personally."

The anecdote, from David Heller's book, "Just Build the Ark and the Animals Will Come: Children on Bible Stories," (Kensington Publishing, $11 paperback) is one of many that parents and teachers consider as they decide how to transmit the story of Noah and the flood to young children.

As it is, biblical text invites a wide range of interpretation and analysis. Because the tale of Noah makes for such a colorful story, it is one of the most widely recounted biblical tales, having spawned countless versions tailored to different ages, religious sensibilities and interests.

For the authors, illustrators and publishers that create the books, the challenge is to express the details of their creative vision in a unique and understandable manner while maintaining the integrity of the biblical text.

"Kids tend to be very literal," says Caitlyn Dlouhy, executive editor of Simon and Schuster's Atheneum Books for Young Readers. "To see something that they're used to from another direction is very good for their minds."

In Atheneum's "The Animals and the Ark," written by Karla Kuskin and illustrated by Michael Grejniec ($16.95 hardcover), the ancient story is told from the perspective of the animals on board.

"Karla thought of doing it from an animal's point of view because kids identify so well with animals," Dlouhy says.

Expanding and fictionalizing the story of Noah appeals to many authors because it reinforces the familiar story for kids while adding new dimensions to keep them interested.

In "Noah's Square Dance" (Lothrop Lee & Shepard, $16 hardcover), authored by Rick Walton and illustrated by Thor Wickstrom, the story is told to the beat of a square dance the author supposes to have taken place on the ark.

"You have to imagine that they did something for entertainment," says Walton. "I don't think the book is a good way to teach the actual facts, because it's fanciful. But it is a good way to extend the story and use it as a jump-off for questions like 'What did they do the whole time?' and 'What were the interactions and emotions like?' "

On the other hand, many children's books make an effort to stick closely to the biblical narrative, though some of them leave out some of the most important details.

Many authors omit the explanation of why God made the flood, what sorts of construction directions Noah was given and the chronology of events after the flood.

"We tend to leave out the destruction and how horrible it all was," says Diane Stortz, managing director of consumer products at Standard Publishing.

Danielle Thau, a psychologist from Stamford, Conn., says the story of Noah teaches that "when people are bad, that makes God angry. When people are righteous and good, that gets rewards. People should look out for each other and other beings."

The story also has an implicit lesson about companionship, she says, given the pairs of animals that God commands Noah to bring on board the ark.

"There is something about not being lonely and everyone having a mate. That two-by-two concept is very important."

Thau says that though biblical stories in general are important to impart to children a sense of "tradition, historical roots, connectedness with a people and a sense of being protected," the explicit inclusion of God is not necessary in the story of Noah and the flood.

"Given the broad way religion is taken in this country, I don't necessarily think it needs to be about God, but just the implicit message being that there is someone - something - that's above us and has more power then we do."

The lesson that there is a controlling force in the world is something with which Jeb, 9, also cited in Heller's book, is familiar.

When asked how Noah first discovered that the waters had dried up enough for a landing, Jeb said, "God left a sign that said, 'Ready for landing, Noah. Park the boat right here. God.' "

This year, the "Noach" Torah portion will be read on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Noah's ark books for children

"Noah's Ark" by Lucy Cousins (Candlewick Press, $6.99 hardcover)
A bright and colorful board book from the popular writer/illustrator. Recommended for ages 1-5.

"Noah's Ark" by Jerry Pinkney (SeaStar Books, $15.95 hardcover)
Realistic text and pictures that stay close to the biblical text. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

"Come Aboard Noah's Ark" by Deborah Chancellor, illustrated by Julie Downing (DK Publishing, $7.99 hardcover)
A large board book with discussion questions for parents. Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

"Noah's Ark" illustrated by Peter Spier (Dell Publishing, $16.95 hardcover)
Aside from a translated poem at the beginning of the book, this story is told entirely through detailed illustrations. Good for ages 3-8.

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