Rise and Shine!

The same cheery bear family from Warnes's picture-book version of Jesus Loves Me! makes a return engagement in this version of a joyous and child-friendly hymn. Little Bear begins his day with a bath, then sets about designing and constructing a model of the ark, just as "The Lord told Noah to build him an arky, arky." Little Bear and his parents then use a menagerie of toy and real critters, and the gentle rain of a watering can to recreate the well-known Bible story of Noah's journey. In sweet and sunny watercolor scenes—often with wildflowers and sunflowers nearby—these happy ursine characters serve as inviting hosts to the hymn and its biblical inspiration. A musical score appears on the final spread. All ages. (Jan.)