The Littlest Pair
reS-Gr 1-Rouss and Hannon offer a new take on the story of Noah's Ark, telling it from the point of view of a pair of termites. Because none of the other animals wants them aboard, the inclusion of the insects teaches a lesson about respecting differences. However, even when they are roaring, mooing, squawking, howling, and screeching to the tune of "Whooo invited you two?," the animals look amiable. And they prove to be so when the termites use their special skills to produce enough sawdust to keep them from sliding about on the ark's slippery decks. Wise Noah sums it all up when he admonishes, "So let's put an end to any more hurtful chatter,/We're all God's creatures and to God, we all matter." Rouss's storytelling talents are insufficient to overcome a flagrantly didactic message that distorts the meaning of the biblical account of Noah and a premise that assumes that preschoolers will know why termites would be unwelcome on a wooden vessel. The boldly colored, full-spread illustrations are humorous, and the rhyme bounces right along, but neither can redeem the heavy-handed story. Many better picture-book versions of the Noah story are available. This one misses the boat.Linda R. Silver, Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, OHCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.