Noah’s Ark

Recounting the Great Flood by using several centuries’ worth of images, many from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a terrific idea, and much in these pages rewards close viewing. In one painting, a robed and white-bearded God leans out of the clouds to tell a stunned Noah of plans to destroy the Earth; beyond these figures, all manner of licentiousness is underway, including a man mooning a group of women. In another, Noah’s family gathers under a tree to prepare themselves for next 40 days, while the ark, fully built and bathed in diffused light, sits far in background, its ramp ready to receive the animal pairs—including two unicorns—that prowl the scene. But the book also represents a missed opportunity to teach a little art history: the only text accompanying the pictures is from the King James version of Genesis 6–9, and the identifications of paintings at the book’s end are aimed at adults. Without more context, readers won’t gain much of an understanding of why Noah’s story has served the urges of artists throughout the ages. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)