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

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

FREE Bible Guide!

Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.

Janie Cheaney

Janie is the VERY senior staff writer for Redeemed Reader, as well as a long-time contributor to WORLD Magazine and an author of nine books for children. The rest of the time she's long-distance smooching on her four grandchildren (not an easy task). She lives with her equally senior husband of almost-fifty years in the Ozarks of Missouri.

We'd love to hear from you!

Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!

Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.