Noah and the Ziz - Jules, Jacqueline. Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Kar-Ben, 2005. 32p. $7.95, Paperback. ISBN 1580131212. $17.95, Hardcover. ISBN 0929371011. [E] Animals, Mythical—Fiction. Noah (Biblical figure)—Fiction.
Combine a simple story about Noah with a mythical "big bird" character, add expressive, splashy illustrations and you have the makings of a winner for the preschool set. This is what author Jacqueline Jules and illustrator Katherine Janus Kahn have done in their second "Ziz" collaboration. The Hardest Word was a Yom Kippur story that helped a child learn how to say "I’m sorry." This latest work is a delightful version of the Noah story, appealing to readers of various faiths.
The flood will be coming soon and poor Noah needs help rounding up the animals to board the ark. He talks to God who sends the Ziz to assist Noah. The Ziz, although good-hearted and fast, is also kind of clumsy. He wants God and Noah to be proud of him, though, so he learns how to slow down somewhat and be careful not to hurt the animals or cause more problems. At the end, the Ziz can still say, Flap! Flap! I’m as fast as fast can be! Saving lives is the job for me!
We had an opportunity to read this story to interfaith groups of children, ages 3-5, and they loved it. One offered the comment, "It’s awesome!" Highly recommended. Available in library binding as well as in paperback.
Reviewed by:
Monica Tenney
C&SL Media Review Editor
Maple Grove United Methodist Church
Columbus, Ohio
