Blue And Green Ark - Hardcover

Patten, Brian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0439079691 ISBN 13: 9780439079693

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2000

Synopsis

As each letter of the alphabet is presented, this poetic tale captures the many wonders of the universe while telling of the importance of preserving the earth's natural resources.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-8-First the good news. The artwork by 11 illustrators is striking and evocative. The bad news is that Patten's poetic musings are pretentious and unworthy of their visual company. The book is structured around the concept of the Earth as ark, incorporating motifs and ideas from the Noah story. While several pictures include the ark or related symbols such as the dove, the phrase "the blue and green Ark adrift in the dark" is tediously repeated throughout. The short reflections appear in alphabetical order, but abstract letter-concept connections such as "Utopias unattained" or "Beginning" will be inaccessible to young readers. The appended glossary, prefaced with the remark, "There are lots more things to spot if you look closely," includes some interesting information, but provides more bafflement- the B entry consists of the word "Breath," another abstract idea. Adults, particularly those sharing the author's ecological fervor, might appreciate the book for its outstanding visuals. However, its child appeal is limited.
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

An ornamental alphabet book about the creation and endurance of planet Earth, full of reverberating symbols and images. A is for ark, the small green and blue planet drifting in a sea of space. Each subsequent letter highlights treasures of the Earth and the space ocean it floats in. A richness develops in the juxtaposition of ideas: N is for narwhal, which gave birth to the legend of the unicorn, but also for a fox's nuzzle and ``for the night and its shadows creeping.'' Extinct animals are remembered, joy and jellybeans are celebrated, as are ice, languages, and the other planets. Every spread is created by one of eleven illustrators, among them Jane Ray and David Parkins, providing variety to the poetry within, and every illuminated letter glows like a painted jewel. A fine tribute. (Picture book. 6-9) -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0439079691
• ISBN 13: 9780439079693
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 64