Jonah and the Whale, and the Worm FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Carlee Hallman
Black-outlined watercolor illustrations are interwoven with cartoon and formal text for a captivating and amusing effect. Many details of the Biblical text are brought out as a natural part of the story. The sailors shout, "Good-bye, Jonah! Good Luck," as they toss him overboard. Seaweed wraps around Jonah's neck as he sinks and cries, "O God! Please help me!" Inside the whale, Jonah is surrounded by fish who have been there for days. Later we learn what part the worm plays in the story. God's pronouncements are displayed on yellow and gold splotches. Octopi with instructive comments border the bottom of the pages. In this creatively-told tale, Jonah also wants to forgive his enemies, the Ninevites, as he ponders God's forgiving nature. Children and parents will enjoy this retelling of the Biblical story with its bold illustrations. 2004, Little Brown and Company/Time Warner Book Group, Ages 6 to 9.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3-Marzollo continues her series of accessible retellings of Bible stories. After God releases Jonah from the whale, the prophet remains reluctant to fulfill God's mandate that he preach to the Ninevites. He finally does so, and although they change their ways, Jonah still feels that they should be punished for their past sins. As he waits outside the city, hoping that God will destroy at least part of it, he observes the actions of a humble cutworm and learns a lesson about God's love that convinces him to forgive his enemies. The expressive watercolor illustrations and gentle text provide a solid starting point for collaborative reading and discussion. The text alternates between omniscient narration and dialogue between Jonah and God. Tiny octopuses in the margins also comment on the tale, foreshadowing events and prompting page turns. This book is a fun, unpretentious take on a favorite old story.-Anne M. Holcomb, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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