The Flood of Noah by Bodie Hodge & Laura Welch

Was there a worldwide flood?  The various legends of such a phenomenon are explored and compared in this interactive history book.  All ages

The Flood of Noah: Legends and Lore of Survival by Bodie Hodge and Laura Welch, illustrated by Bill Looney.  New Leaf Publishing, 2014, 24 pages

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: all ages

It’s often been remarked that ancient cultures as far apart as Sumerians and Mayans, have enshrined in legend the tale of a worldwide flood.  These stories differ in detail but by and large they’re remarkably similar: a flood decreed as punishment for evil, one family selected for salvation, a floating vessel of some kind as the medium , a mountain landing after the water recedes—even the detail of a bird sent out from the vessel as a reconnaissance agent—can be found in accounts originating in modern-day Greece, Mexico, and Hawaii.  Endorsed by Ken Ham and relying heavily on resources from Answers in Genesis, the Flood of Noah takes the biblical account literally and ends with a direct connection to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

These 24 pages are packed with information—more an illustration-heavy text than a picture book.  There’s almost too much text, but interactive features like foldouts and pull-tabs will help younger readers stay interested.  (But like any pop-up book, don’t leave it unsupervised in the hands of toddlers!)  I noticed a few typos but the information is attractively presented and worth several rereads.  One drawback is that it won’t be easy to find in the local library, but might be a worthy purchase for a church library or the family reference book shelf.

Cautions: None

Overall Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 5
• Artistic value: 3.75