Who Built the Ark?: Based on an African-American Spiritual; Illustrated by Pam Paparone

An African American spiritual takes shape as an energetic picture book about Noah's preparations for the flood. By turns sing-along (``Who built the ark? / Noah! Noah!''), counting exercise (``In come the animals two by two'') and descriptive poem (``Old man Noah built the ark. / He built it out of hickory bark''), the lyrics offer something for everybody. While some of the traditional phrasing may prove a bit cumbersome to beginning readers, the simple plot rings clear. Paparone's acrylic paintings capture a joyous spirit in their depictions of frolicking animals, intermittently juxtaposed with images of a swaying church choir. Her dusty palette holds the fun in check, though, and lends an air of reverence to the work. Sheet music and a note about the tune's origins round out the volume nicely. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)