Nora's Ark

by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

A flood is coming! When the water climbs to the rooftops, where will everybody go? To Grandma's house, of course, high up on a hill. Before long, the house is full ofpeople, chickens, ducks, pigs, horses, cats, and even a cow. There's only one person missing -- Grandpa! This heartwarming story by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock is based on a real-life the Vermont Flood of 1927. Watercolors by Caldecott Medal-winning artist Emily Arnold McCully capture both the sweeping drama of the flood and the comfort of a cozy kitchen filled with friends, neighbors, and good cheer.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Family, Animals, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 2005

About the author

My sister, three brothers, and I grew up on a Vermont dairy farm in a region known as the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, USA, where my Scottish ancestors settled almost two hundred years ago.

Our lives revolved around our church, our community, and the hard work of farming. Along with milking and feeding the animals each morning and evening, there was the work of each season: maple sugaring, plowing, picking stone, planting, haying, corn-cutting, harvest, cutting wood.

While my parents lives were consumed by farming and providing for their children, they managed to pass on much more to us. My mother, a teacher, instilled in us a love of books and reading, and a curiosity about everything, while my father, besides being an excellent athlete, has also encouraged our interest in the natural world, whether it was identifying birds, trees and wildflowers, or pointing out constellations on a starry night.

My book As Long As There Are Mountains is based on my childhood and my love of the farm, the land, and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story, the great flood of 1927 in Vermont, this story concludes with the realization that, in times of crisis, what is most important is "family, friends and neighbors helping neighbors". Wren lives with her grandma and grandpa on a farm with cows and chickens. Her grandpa is busy building a new house for grandma high up on the hill when the rains come, and come in buckets they do. When an assortment of creatures, from horses, to chickens, to family and neighbors seek refuge in the house upon the hill, Wren and her family are happy to take them in. But, in the midst of riding out the storm, they are worried about grandpa who is out tending to cows who needed a push up the hill. Grandma and Wren finally find grandpa stranded up a tree and realize that being healthy, alive and together is all that really matters.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Usually I lean towards funny or slightly off-center picture books, but with Nora's Ark, I was turning pages because I wanted to see what would happen next. Based on the real life Vermont flood of 1927, Kinsey-Warnock tells her story simply with gentle humor. According to the HarperCollins website all of Kinsey-Warnock's books are based on events and stories from her family's history which makes this story all the more poignant. Emily Arnold McCully's artwork is well suited to the story, the washes of watercolor clearly evoke the storm-soaked surroundings wihle she still captures the details such as character expressions. This could work for storytime for older children although it's a little too long for the preschool set.

[Miranda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be considered historical-fiction as it is based on the true story of the Vermont Flood of 1927. There is also a slight implied biblical reference to Noah's Ark in the making of a new and seemingly indestructible home that can house many people and animals and keep them safe from this overwhelming flood. There is one piece of dialogue used in the story that is not in English, making it somewhat difficult to read for its desired age; however, it is still a great story.

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has a lot of meat for a picture book - real American history, a warm family story, those little funny details that make stories live, great illustrations - and I read it aloud to the kids in about 10 minutes. Definitely a winner.

Reading this story about the Vermont flood of 1927 made me wonder what stories will be written in days to come about the Appalachian flood of 2024 during Hurricane Helene. Times of dire distress bring out unique aspects of our human connection.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, because of the story, because of the illustrations, because of the lessons, and because of the memories it brings up for me. I recommend for any young child. Everyone needs their own "hoof prints in the floor" to remind them of the things that matter most. Thank you Natalie Kinsey-Warnock for sharing your story.

[Rachel Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 2

This was a very engaging book with a very interesting plot. I've never heard a story quite like it. The illustrations were great and it was easy to read because I was so interested in what was going to happen. I think this would be a great addition to any school or home library. The fact that it is based on real events also makes it educational.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction here, which made it so much more powerful. I wept for all the animals that were lost...drowned. It was a hard book to read when you think about all those deaths. Still, it is a hopeful story, and one of community coming together. Well-written and easy to recommend.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and its watercolor illustrations just propel the crafted narrative forward, encompassing multiple generations of a Vermont family, surrounding community, a natural disaster, and the joy of sticking together.

[Lia Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Historical Fiction, Religious, Wholesome, Sincere, Heartwarming)
Grandma prepares her friends, family ,and neighbors for a big flood up ahead.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story about the Flood of 1927 in Vermont.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Struggling through the flood of 1927, they learn what is really important.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reminiscent tale of neighbors helping neighbors decades ago.

[Gabriela · Rating 2 out of 5]

traditional illustrations, historical information, natural disaster

[Charity Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a grandmother named Nora, her granddaughter and husband. Nora's husband built her a new house that was more update than their current house. She doesn't want to move because she has all she needs in the house she is currently in. A storm came and it rained so much that it started to flood. Nora's family is forced to move up to the other house that is on higher ground. While stuck in the house during the flood their neighbors ask to stay with them because their houses are under water. There are several families and even animals in their house (a horse and chickens!) Nora's husband goes out to check on things and is taking awhile to return. Nora and her granddaughter go out looking for him worried what they will find. The entire town is under water. Only roof tops can be seen. This book is great because it teaches children how things were different during Nora's time period. It also teaches them the effects of flooding. This book reminded me of my own grandmother and the time I got to spend with her. I was most drawn to the relationship between Nora, her husband and their granddaughter. At one point in the book you're not sure if grandpa is dead or alive and you only hope for the best. This book teaches children about community and how when we come together we can accomplish a lot. I became emotionally attached to this book. It's not only for child but adults as well. I would recommend this book because it teaches heritage, community and weather. In my class we use it to draw conclusions. When we are unsure what will happen to Grandpa, I stop reading and ask the kids what they think will happen next. Then we finish the book to find if we were correct/incorrect and learn that it's ok if we are incorrect. That it was our opinion on what may/could happen in the story.

[Melanie Berthiaume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora’s Ark
By Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Picture Book

Estimate of age level of interest: 4 and up

Estimate of reading level: K-3

Brief description: Kinsey-Warnock’s family experience of the Vermont Flood of 1927 with neighbors both human and animal gathering in her grandmother’s new house on a hill.

Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre(s) and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book:
This book meets the criteria of good picture book by relating a real-life event through strong storytelling and muted watercolor paintings that create the feeling of being on a Vermont farm in the 20’s. The fear and sadness of the flood, a caring community, and humorous events make this a winner for a wide range of ages. This is another one of the author's picture books in which she writes about what she knows which is a good lesson for young writers to learn.

In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book serves its young audience well by showing how a community can come together to tough out a difficult situation. The reader is sure to feel both the tension and humor of the day. The author has included a note at the end of the book explaining the seriousness of the Flood of 1927 and relating that there were many stories of courage and compassion during those days of which this is only one.

Awards if any:
A Junior Library Guild selection
Vermont Red Clover Nominee

Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0...
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

[Jaclyn Giordano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora’s Ark by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock is a picture book intended for readers in kindergarten through grade three. I gave it four stars. Nora’s Ark details the Great Flood in Vermont in 1927. Wren, a young girl, and her grandparents head to higher ground in a house high up on a hill as the rain pours down. As the rain pours on, neighbors and their animals come and join Wren and her grandparents in the house. After Grandpa goes to help one neighbor and their cows, a worried Wren and Grandma must go search for him after he doesn’t return home. He is found and returns home safely, to a house full of animals and people, sharing stories, leaning on each other, and staying strong through the storm. This story reminds Wren, and all readers, of what’s important: “family and friends and neighbors helping neighbors.” The gently drawn illustrations, full of natural and Earth tones of yellows, browns, greens, and creams, allows the reader to feel as if they are truly in the farmland. The Author’s Note gives the readers more information about the Great Flood of 1927, detailing how there was compassion amongst disaster. People banding together through hardship, helping each other rebuild and stay safe, will speak to readers of all ages. Truly a powerful story of teamwork, love, and giving all you have to give to help others.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Category: picture book
Author: Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
Illustrator: Emily Arnold McCully
Title: Nora's Ark
Publisher: 2005 by HarperCollins
ISBN: 068817244X (ISBN13: 9780688172442)
Genre: historic fiction
Reading level: grade 3 and up

Vermont writer Natalie Kinsey-Warnock spins a heartwarming tale about how a family survived the devistation of the Great Flood of 1927. Wren is a plucky girl who enjoys the rural life on her grandparents' farm. But in November it began to rain and rain and soon the water flooded over the river banks and the family is forced to abandon their home. They move to a house being built on a hill and are soon joined by neighbors and their animals. In the meantime, Grandpa disappears in the flood and Wren and Grandma decide that to go looking for him but what they find is a surprise! The story is a great segway into a study of Vermont history and rural life. Emily Arnold McCully's illustrations are vibrant, detailed watercolors that take the reader back in time to what life in Vermont might have been like a century ago.

[eRin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grandma is one strong woman. She's raised eight children in a house without electricity or plumbing or anything modern. Grandpa is determined to build a fancy new house for Grandma at the top of the hill. Grandma doesn't need the house and thinks that it's not really necessary. But then a storm comes along and it rains and rains and rains. And suddenly that house on the hill looks pretty good with the water quickly rising. So Grandma, Grandpa and Wren head up to the house and are almost immediately joined by others from town. Plus chickens and horses, cats and pigs. Almost everyone is there--but where's Grandpa?

What I liked about this story is that it's based on a true story from the Vermont Flood of 1927. There is a brief description of the flood at the end of the book. A nice story about helping others and coming together in a crisis.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year of 1927 was a disastrous time for the people of Vermont. A great flood left numerous people dead, thousands without homes, and over seven thousand acres of farmland destroyed. This fictional account captures the compassion and strength of people coming together in a time of crisis. When Wren’s grandpa decided to build a new house on the hill for his wife, he could not have foreseen that the house would become a fortress for them, their neighbors, and several animals during the dreadful flood. Wren grows up to realize that the important things in life are family, friends, and the kindness of neighbors. The colorful illustrations on every page add to the story’s brilliance as they depict the wholesomeness of times gone past. Readers will get to learn about a possibly unfamiliar time in history and witness the courage that took place by those who tried to survive.

[Becky Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora’s Ark

K-Adults

From the first page of this book that resembles a painting that could be hanging on a wall, it brings you to a simpler time and lifestyle. Illustrator Emily Arnold McCully used watercolors and detail in each of her pictures to tell this story. Illustrations of the flood and houses floating in the water were very realistic and would help a child imagine this story clearly. The text was lengthy and usually written above or below the art. This is a sad yet heartwarming tale that children and adults alike will find appealing.

Language Arts/ Math

Math Example: Students could count the number of animals that arrive in the house and group them by species and then add them together.

[Salima Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a big flood that destroys a town. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl that lives on a farm with her grandparents. Her grandfather has just built a new home, which the grandmother is not happy about. When their current home begins to deteriorate from the heavy rain, they are forced to vacate to the newly built home where chaos begins to enter. Children will laugh about all the animals and funny neighbors in the new house as townspeople run to it for shelter. It is also a serious text as students begin to realize that a lot of the animals have died from the flood. I thought that this was a great book, and loved how the author incorporated a bit of humor in a serious situation to appeal to readers of all ages.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son brought this home from school after Natalie Kinsey-Warnook was at his school doing a signing and reading.
I read it last evening and just loved it. My family, boys 9 and 15, just lost our home and belongings to Tropical Storm Irene, my youngest had just studied the '27 flood in school last year.
It was a great book for him to read to see that we aren't the only ones that have gone through this and to know that we will move on and everything will be OK.
And as in the book, with friends and family, we have learned we can make it through anything... what a great book!
Maybe some day he will write his own book about his experience on Tropical Storm Irene 2011!!

[Debbie Hayes-miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

CIP summary: "During the Vermont flood of 1927, a girl and her grandparents share their hilltop house with neighbors and animals."

This is a really cute book about how one family saves many others during a terrible flood. This story is based on a real flood that occured in 1927. According to the author's note, it was the worst flood in Vermont's history killing eighty four people and driving nine thousand people from their homes. It also destroyed bridges, railways, and roads. This story demonstrates the courage people have to help others when faced with a disaster.

[Restokes92]

This book is about a family in 1920s Vermont during the worse flood in that place up to that time. The main characters are the grand daughter, grandfather, and the grandma Nora. Granpa built a new house on higher ground that the family, neighbors, and animals use for refuge during the flood. The story is told with fantastic illustrations and simple easy to follow text. I used this book in a read aloud and feel it would work great in class when comparing similar stories or retelling of stories in a unit.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always get sad in books when animals die, but these people tried to save whatever they could during the terrible flood that hit Vermont in 1927. My favorite part is at the end when no one bothered to sand away the hoof marks that were left on the kitchen floor. Can you imagine 100 years pass and a new family moves in and wonders how hoof marks ever made it into the kitchen? Makes you wonder about things in your own house.

[Julie Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A children's historical story of Vermont's flood of 1927. Grandpa had built a new house and Grandma and their granddaughter Wren couldn't understand the need of this new house. As the flood waters rose it became evident why they needed this new house on higher ground. All of the surrounding neighbors came for shelter as well as some of the animals, A cute story demonstrating what is really importanta as people worked together to survive and save their family and animals. Fun illustrations.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Great true story about family, friendship and getting through a tough situation (a flood in this case). The Author's Note includes some facts about the Flood of 1927. Probably best for ages 4-5 and up.

[Jennifer Mallory]

friends, neighbors, helping each other out, Caldecott

Based on a real life event of the Vermont flood of 1927. People and animals escape a flood by going to grandma's house on a hill. The house is full of people and animals.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the flood of 1927 in Vermont this is a tale of a community coming together to help as they can in a time of crisis. While the actual details may not be a true account the end result is still the same even today. We can weather just about any crisis with friends and family.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story based on a real flood in 1927. Well told, with great illustrations, and a valuable moral.