We're All in the Same Boat by Zachary R. Shapiro

Title: We're All in the Same Boat

Author: Zachary R. Shapiro

Illustrator: Jack E. Davis

Reading Level: Baby - Preschool

Hardcover: 32 Pages

Publisher: Penguin Group

We all know the story of Noah's Ark. When God decided to wash all the wicked people away, he asked Noah to build an ark to protect all the animals. When all the animals are safely aboard the ark, it began to rain. It rained and rained so much that it continued for months. Finally, when it stopped raining, Noah sent a dove to find a piece of dry land. All the animals landed out of the ark and life began again on earth. Isn't that how it goes?? Well, who really knew what actually happened inside the ark? With all the animals from around the planet traveling in the same boat, would it be a harmonious or a tumultuous voyage? In this adorable picture book for little ones, Zachary Shapiro brings to life, the classic Noah's ark tale with his witty, heart-warming illustrations. The story is refreshing and the rhythmic word play is simply brilliant.

Apparently, It all began as a fun, exciting voyage. The animals were thrilled to spend a few days at sea and they lived merrily eating pizzas and playing tennis. But, the relentless rain soon turned them all cranky and restless. The bees were bored; dogs were demanding; giraffes were grumpy; hyenas were hysterical; nightingales were nagging; worms were worried and the zebras were zoned-out. When things got out of control, Noah hollered those magic words "We're all in the Same Boat!". The animals were stunned to silence for a minute. Then, the ants apologized, elephants were enthusiastic, foxes told fables, moose were merry and penguins held a party. Peace reigned again as Noah and his animals went to sleep. 

There aren't many Noah's Ark books geared towards little readers out there. We have another board book version, but reading it was never this fun. The rhyming words and hilarious illustrations takes this story to a whole new level. Since there is so much to look at and learn from this book, it makes a GREAT read for toddlers. My daughter never really sit through the entire book, I guess it gets a little too overwhelming for her. But, We always come back to this book! She finds the pictures captivating and rhyming words funny. And, when her favorite penguin is aboard the ark, she couldn't ask for anything more :) To narrate the story, the author uses a huge repertoire of adjectives, which even the adults might find interesting. Its hard to find words like 'hysterical', 'livid', 'obnoxious', 'exasperated', 'diligent' and 'tuckered' in young children's books. Most of them use simple, easy to read words. But, reading picture books like these will improve their vocabulary tremendously. Younger readers will revel in the beauty of the illustrations and older ones would love practicing some of the big words. A feast for the eyes as well as the brain!!

My Rating: 5/5