Noah's Bark

In Krensky's (Chaucer's First Winter ) playful spin on the Bible story, Noah has a short fuse—and a real communication problem with animals. While he labors to build the ark, Noah is nearly driven batty by the cacophony of animal sounds, as the beasts let loose with any noise that inspires them (“Beavers crowed when the sun came up. Snakes quacked in distress”). However, such a racket is no help when it's time to board the vessel and set sail during the great flood. Noah takes command, barking “Quiet! ” at his passengers before he assigns them specific sounds with specific purposes. Thus, “The pigs oinked if anyone fell overboard.... And the lions roared when the roof leaked.” Part fable, and all fun, this tale has a light tone and jaunty pacing that will help it stand apart from more by-the-Good-Book versions of the story. Rogé (Cesar Takes a Break ) paints a friendly-looking menagerie and a humorously exasperated though kind-faced Noah. The dramatic scenes of gray skies, pelting rain, and crashing waves are particularly memorable. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)