Genres
Collection
Description
Two squabbling penguins who smuggle their little friend aboard Noah's ark under the watchful eyes of an officious, overworked dove, find many answers to their questions about God during their journey.
Publication
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (2012), 68 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member thmazing
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The back of the book claims this story is for kids aged 8 to 12, but I think 12 is really pushing it. I would say more 6 to 10, if you're looking for a four year stretch.
The book is astonishingly European---appropriate I suppose since that's where it hails from. Unlike most American books for this
I read it to my 5yrold and 3yrold and they both enjoyed it, though I'm not sure they really dived into the questions asked and unanswered by the book.
Me? It's a 68-page illustrated lark. No complaints.
The back of the book claims this story is for kids aged 8 to 12, but I think 12 is really pushing it. I would say more 6 to 10, if you're looking for a four year stretch.
The book is astonishingly European---appropriate I suppose since that's where it hails from. Unlike most American books for this
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age, the story is loaded with ambiguities. Is the story pro-God or anti-God? Hard to tell. Does it end with a comment on marriage rights or just an everyday moral about being friends even with those who are different? Hard to tell.I read it to my 5yrold and 3yrold and they both enjoyed it, though I'm not sure they really dived into the questions asked and unanswered by the book.
Me? It's a 68-page illustrated lark. No complaints.
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LibraryThing member fuzzi
Three penguins find out that God is about to flood the world, but only two tickets to the ark are available...what are they going to do?
Ulrich Hub adds some strange scenes and funny situations in this retelling of the Noah's ark story. It is not meant to be accurate to the source, but instead it
Ulrich Hub adds some strange scenes and funny situations in this retelling of the Noah's ark story. It is not meant to be accurate to the source, but instead it
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adds some tongue-in-cheek dialogue and plot twists to create a cute book for kids, or adults who are kids at heart. Show Less
LibraryThing member Pebblesgmc
Meet at the Ark at Eight [ARC] By Ulrich Hub (Author). A fun and funny book that opens the conversation about God. The penguins face so many problems and ask so many questions. The book is light and refreshing a new look at an old story.
LibraryThing member simchaboston
A nice little charming book, and unexpectedly thought-provoking. The penguins' silly antics and cute illustrations will make kids and adults laugh, and the conversations about God may stimulate discussion about what God looks like, why God caused the Flood, etc. (That wasn't the case with us, but
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we were reading it at bedtime and thus didn't have time to get into a theological discussion!) Show Less
LibraryThing member Birbitt
I requested this book, expecting a creatively written book that while is based on the Biblical story of Noah's Ark would more than likely be mostly fiction. Well, it was in fact fiction but the only thing based on the Biblical account was the existence of an ark, the coming of a flood, and that
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Noah was part of the story. Yes, the story did raise some questions about God, but after bringing up the question there was no guidance or direction given to the reader. Noah was portrayed as a feeble, lazy old man which didn't feel right, and there were parts that just really rubbed me the wrong way. Sadly, I can not in good conscience recommend this book, nor will I be able to place the book on my children's shelves. I really had hoped for a cute story of Noah's Ark from the perspective of a couple of penguins, instead I got a theologically troubling, largely inaccurate portrayal of a very popular Bible story, and some troubling interactions between penguins and pigeons. Show Less
LibraryThing member missbrandysue
Two penguins sneak their little penguin friend onto Noah's ark so that he isn't destroyed in the great flood. The dove, who is in charge, keeps looking in on the penguins who have to keep hiding one of themselves. When the ark lands they are discovered but find out they could have survived the
I like the reading level for children, an intermediate chapter book. But talking about killing the butterfly for a bit, and some of the other word choice prevents me from putting it in my classroom library. It was entertaining to read, but not sure how I would feel sharing it with a young Christian.
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flood anyways because of their swimming skills.I like the reading level for children, an intermediate chapter book. But talking about killing the butterfly for a bit, and some of the other word choice prevents me from putting it in my classroom library. It was entertaining to read, but not sure how I would feel sharing it with a young Christian.
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LibraryThing member labfs39
My 9 year old daughter and I read this short book in a few sittings and found it charming and funny. The author takes a perennial favorite story, Noah's ark, and turns it on its ear. Younger children might simple find the story fun. The two chosen penguins don't want to leave their young,
Note: I read an uncorrected proof.
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irascible, yet endearing friend behind when they leave for the ark. So the two smuggle him aboard in a suitcase. The high jinx are wonderfully illustrated by [[Jörg Mühle]]. Discerning middle readers might pick up on more difficult questions, such as Why would God choose to punish even animals with the deluge? Why does the young penguin commit an evil act? Why is he forgiven? Can even God make mistakes? And there is an even subtler layer. The author has chosen to make the two penguins chosen to be saved on the ark male. Only through a careful watch of pronouns is this obvious. And when the two penguins disembark, there are indeed three of them, although through adoption not procreation. So whether the book is enjoyed as a witty children's story, a religious thought-provoker for middle readers, or a social commentary, I would recommend zipping through it for it's unique take on an old story.Note: I read an uncorrected proof.
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LibraryThing member antmusic
Cute illustrations are throughout this translated-to-English children's novel. The story is cute enough to entertain voracious readers, but many children may find the book a little draggy. I don't really want to dwell on the negative, and I know it is hard to write a universal kids' book nowadays.
I received this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
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If your child loves penguins and just can't read enough, check this one out from the library. The book questions God's motives in flooding the Earth (killing most of the animals and humans) and many other things you or your kids might ask. The answers are a little mixed. I received this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
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LibraryThing member Sullywriter
Amongst the silliness of this quirky retelling of the Noah's Ark story are some profound philosophical ponderings.
LibraryThing member flanisntjustdessert
A cute kid read
Awards
National Jewish Book Award (Winner — 2012)
Prix Sorcières (2009)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2005
2012 (English translation)
Physical description
68 p.; 5.75 inches
ISBN
0802854109 / 9780802854100
Other editions
Meet at the Ark at Eight by Ulrich Hub (Hardcover)