The Chameleon that Saved Noah's Ark

Praise

* “Charming extension of a well-known Bible story. . . . In a refreshing departure, Molchadsky chooses to highlight Noah’s wife, Na’ama, in a central role, departing from so many retellings that relegate everyone but Noah to the background. The visually and warmly surprising multiethnic family, representing many shades and skin colors, attempts to keep the matching animals happy and well-fed . . . leaving readers to remember that ‘everything and everyone has a place under the sun.’ Bergman’s folk-art-style paintings are colorful and textured, investing all the ark’s passengers with great personality. . . . This delightful narrative balances respect for tradition with inviting, accessible storytelling; a very well-executed debut for children and an appealing addition to family reading time.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “Life on the ark keeps Noah and his family hopping, but he still cares about every creature on board. . . . Bergman uses Mediterranean-hued acrylics and a playful sense of composition to immerse readers in an ark that’s joyfully busy 24/7. Her Noah is an equally wonderful creation: a man with soulful eyes and boundless energy, an approachable patriarch of a multiracial family. . . . It’s easy to infer why Noah was entrusted with keeping the ‘wonders of nature’ safe.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“This endearing picture book is a circle-of-life narrative. . . . Bergman subtly infuses a touch of feminism (it is the female chameleon that shows the family the answer) and racial justice (Noah has brown skin, and his three sons and wife vary in color) in his illustrations. . . . A utopia of contented animals and a loving family living together, all sharing equal time in the pictures. This resplendent book celebrates the miracle of nature, making the happy ending not about the end of a flood, but about everyone finding what they need.”—The Horn Book

“Vivid acrylic illustrations. Bergman’s even, colorful style is detailed and expressive enough to give distinction to each character; the sea is active and turbulent, Noah’s red-haired son Ham is particularly curious, and many of the animals are observant and intrigued by the goings-on. The message is clear: nature is full of wonders, and everyone has a place in the sun.”—Booklist