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The Enduring Ark
"The book’s innovative accordion design illustrated in the Bengal Patua style of scroll painting is just one of the sumptuous design elements that distinguish it as a remarkable offering. . . A gorgeous re-envisioning of an old, old story." — Kirkus Reviews Starred Review
"This striking version is illustrated by Joydeb Chitrakar in a Bengali style of scroll painting—with rich colors, strong black lines." — The Wall Street Journal
"The stunning illustrations—which really constitute one continual image—reflect an openhearted, instantly accessible folk art aesthetic . . . a glorious example of storytelling’s universality."— Publishers Weekly Starred Review
"An arresting first image—God’s huge, baleful eye—is the visual source of all that follows. . . provocative" — The Horn Book Magazine
"This beautifully designed and intelligently produced retelling of the flood expands the bounds of bookmaking." — Shelf Awareness
In this Indian version of the Biblical tale, talented Bengali Patua scroll painter Joydeb Chitrakar leads the reader from a deluge of water to a rainbow of hope. A book that can be leafed through in the traditional way or unfolded out as an accordion, the vibrant illustrations and concise text provide a singular approach to an ancient, universal story. Suitable for children ages 6+.
US Grade Level 3, US Guided Reading O
"This striking version is illustrated by Joydeb Chitrakar in a Bengali style of scroll painting—with rich colors, strong black lines." — The Wall Street Journal
"The stunning illustrations—which really constitute one continual image—reflect an openhearted, instantly accessible folk art aesthetic . . . a glorious example of storytelling’s universality."— Publishers Weekly Starred Review
"An arresting first image—God’s huge, baleful eye—is the visual source of all that follows. . . provocative" — The Horn Book Magazine
"This beautifully designed and intelligently produced retelling of the flood expands the bounds of bookmaking." — Shelf Awareness
In this Indian version of the Biblical tale, talented Bengali Patua scroll painter Joydeb Chitrakar leads the reader from a deluge of water to a rainbow of hope. A book that can be leafed through in the traditional way or unfolded out as an accordion, the vibrant illustrations and concise text provide a singular approach to an ancient, universal story. Suitable for children ages 6+.
US Grade Level 3, US Guided Reading O
34 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2013
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35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 19, 2013
My blog review.
After seeing many tantalizing mentions of Tara Books over the last few years, I was delighted to receive Joydeb Chitrakar and Gita Wolf's The Enduring Ark and get a firsthand look at one of their creations.
So begins Gita Wolf in her version of that old story in The Enduring Ark, but even before we read this text we've seen a huge eye seemingly merging into water signaling to us that this will be a retelling like no other. That is because of the unique accordian-style book making and Joydeb Chitrakar's vivid illustrations done in the West Bengali Patua style of scroll painting. Readers can immerse themselves in Wolf and Chitrakar's intertwined words and art by conventionally turning the pages or by opening the book to view them all at once. Water flows through the book from that first enormous eye of warning, tinkling through the gentle stream at Noah's home, on as he collects his creatures, rising with the flood, and ending with the water merging with a rainbow of hope. The Enduring Ark is a spectacularly gorgeous book, one well worth reading again and again.
And Tara Books is a remarkable publisher, a co-operative founded by writers and designers and committed to feminist and egalitarian principles and gorgeous visual bookmaking. Based in Chennai, South India, many of their books are completely handmade and they are focused on celebrating the range of Indian art. For a fascinating look at how their books are made and more I recommend taking a look at their blog.
After seeing many tantalizing mentions of Tara Books over the last few years, I was delighted to receive Joydeb Chitrakar and Gita Wolf's The Enduring Ark and get a firsthand look at one of their creations.
It is said from time to time, the world is re-made. Ancient stories talk of an age when a huge flood destroyed the earth, leaving nothing behind. … You may have heard it before, but great tales must be retold – and so I will tell it now in my way, as I have heard it said.
So begins Gita Wolf in her version of that old story in The Enduring Ark, but even before we read this text we've seen a huge eye seemingly merging into water signaling to us that this will be a retelling like no other. That is because of the unique accordian-style book making and Joydeb Chitrakar's vivid illustrations done in the West Bengali Patua style of scroll painting. Readers can immerse themselves in Wolf and Chitrakar's intertwined words and art by conventionally turning the pages or by opening the book to view them all at once. Water flows through the book from that first enormous eye of warning, tinkling through the gentle stream at Noah's home, on as he collects his creatures, rising with the flood, and ending with the water merging with a rainbow of hope. The Enduring Ark is a spectacularly gorgeous book, one well worth reading again and again.
And Tara Books is a remarkable publisher, a co-operative founded by writers and designers and committed to feminist and egalitarian principles and gorgeous visual bookmaking. Based in Chennai, South India, many of their books are completely handmade and they are focused on celebrating the range of Indian art. For a fascinating look at how their books are made and more I recommend taking a look at their blog.
January 9, 2016
Summary: Retells the biblical tale of Noah's ark through an Indian adaptation that features scroll-painting-style illustrations.
Subject:
Noah (Biblical figure)-Juvenile literature
Noah's ark -- Juvenile literature
Bible stories, English -- Old Testament
Picture books for children
Author Notes
A highly original and creative voice in contemporary Indian publishing, Gita Wolf is known for her interest in exploring and experimenting with the form of the book. She has written over twenty books for children and adults, many of which have been translated into multiple languages and recognized internationally. Joydeb Chitrakar is an artist working in the Patua scroll painting tradition from West Bengal in India. The Enduring Ark is his second project with Tara Books, the first being the handmade scrollbook Tsunami , an accordion book which he collaborated with his wife Moyna to produce. He lives in Nirbhaypur Village, West Bengal, India with his wife Moyna & their children.
Subject:
Noah (Biblical figure)-Juvenile literature
Noah's ark -- Juvenile literature
Bible stories, English -- Old Testament
Picture books for children
Author Notes
A highly original and creative voice in contemporary Indian publishing, Gita Wolf is known for her interest in exploring and experimenting with the form of the book. She has written over twenty books for children and adults, many of which have been translated into multiple languages and recognized internationally. Joydeb Chitrakar is an artist working in the Patua scroll painting tradition from West Bengal in India. The Enduring Ark is his second project with Tara Books, the first being the handmade scrollbook Tsunami , an accordion book which he collaborated with his wife Moyna to produce. He lives in Nirbhaypur Village, West Bengal, India with his wife Moyna & their children.
March 21, 2020
The story goes like this-- when the man made the Earth inhabitable, God decided to build the entire thing from scratch. He asked Noah and his wife, Na'mah, to build a big boat, get a pair of every species on board, because God had plans to flood the entire Earth. And then he did. God destroyed everything he created and with help of Noah and the species he had saved, he gave us one more chance.
I wasn't aware of this biblical tale before I read the book. It gave me goose bumps while reading it. Is the God playing the same game in 2020?
Anyhoo, apart from the beautiful storytelling by Gita Wolf, it's the illustrations that standout. And that beautiful gorgeous accordion style. Hats off to Joydeb Chitrakar and the entire team of Tara books.
I wasn't aware of this biblical tale before I read the book. It gave me goose bumps while reading it. Is the God playing the same game in 2020?
Anyhoo, apart from the beautiful storytelling by Gita Wolf, it's the illustrations that standout. And that beautiful gorgeous accordion style. Hats off to Joydeb Chitrakar and the entire team of Tara books.
February 13, 2025
This Indian version of the Biblical tale of 'Noah and the Great Flood' is retold in this book in an indigenous style. The story is very short but the highlight of this picture-art book is the illustrations which are in Patua style. This style of painting is characteristic of the Bengal-Orissa region and is representative of the rich tradition of bold and colourful motifs and figures against an equally colourful background.
Published by Tara Books of Chennai, the publishers aim to enhance the quirky pleasures of reading text with pictures by experimenting with content, design and production. They celebrate the rich diversity of Indian folk and tribal art and the books are screenprinted, made by hand—from the paper to the printing and binding.
Published by Tara Books of Chennai, the publishers aim to enhance the quirky pleasures of reading text with pictures by experimenting with content, design and production. They celebrate the rich diversity of Indian folk and tribal art and the books are screenprinted, made by hand—from the paper to the printing and binding.
April 2, 2019
This is the Indian version of the great story of Noah's ark. The aspect of this book that makes it so interesting is how the pages unfold like an accordion. I always enjoy books that include hands-on pages. It keeps the reader engaged, and interested. The illustrations are truly unique and give the story an ancient feel. The book is easy to read, but I do believe some aspects students may not understand if they have no prior knowledge about Noah. So I'd recommend direct instruction while reading with a class.
December 12, 2021
This picture book deals with Noah's ark with beautiful art work.
December 10, 2013
A stunning rendition of the Noah story executed in a folk art scroll painting style from India and printed on one long piece of accordion-folded paper. Proves that the best stories transcend time and place.
Give this along with the madcap international adventures of Indian-American Takoma Park native Dini, who first has to cope with moving to India, and then has to cope with moving back! As full of light and color and humor as a Bollywood musical, The Grand Plan to Fix Everything and its sequel, The Problem with Being Slightly Heroic introduce readers to the fun side of South Asian culture.
You can hear me babble about this book on the radio at:
http://programs.wypr.org/podcast/most...
Give this along with the madcap international adventures of Indian-American Takoma Park native Dini, who first has to cope with moving to India, and then has to cope with moving back! As full of light and color and humor as a Bollywood musical, The Grand Plan to Fix Everything and its sequel, The Problem with Being Slightly Heroic introduce readers to the fun side of South Asian culture.
You can hear me babble about this book on the radio at:
http://programs.wypr.org/podcast/most...
January 30, 2016
This is a pretty typical retelling of the story of Noah and the ark. The illustrations and design of the book make it standout. The pages are really one long page in an accordion style. The pages unfold. You can read them the way you usually read a book or unfold it completely on a large surface to see it in sequence. I have another book designed similarly, Migrant by José Manuel Mateo, and students love to unfold it and spread it out.
The images are gorgeous and the Bengali style creates a unique view of this story. The only image that is a little jarring is the one during the flood when readers see the people who are drowning. They look relatively peaceful, but it could certainly be unsettling for some readers.
The images are gorgeous and the Bengali style creates a unique view of this story. The only image that is a little jarring is the one during the flood when readers see the people who are drowning. They look relatively peaceful, but it could certainly be unsettling for some readers.
January 3, 2016
This book is interesting in its construction and art, which is why I think it is receiving the starred reviews. The book folds out, like a paper fan. The retelling of the Noah and the Flood story is well done, but does not bring much new. The pictures, done in an Asian Indian style, are colorful.
My reaction to this book is that it is a novelty. It does not seem to be practical for daily use by actual children without close adult supervision.
My reaction to this book is that it is a novelty. It does not seem to be practical for daily use by actual children without close adult supervision.
June 29, 2014
In a year that gave us Russell Crowe's action Noah, this adaptation from Joydeb Chitrakar and Gita Wolf is a welcome breath of fresh air. The story of Noah's Ark is retold in the Bengal Patua style of scroll painting. I recommend finding a large table or clearing some space on the floor and unfolding the book completely to read it. Truly a unique mixture of cultures and mythologies, I cannot recommend this enough.
February 3, 2013
This beautifully illustrated book describes the actions of Noah, and his wife Na'mah as they fill a giant boat with animal pairs to escape the watery deluge that covers the Earth. This Indian version of the great flood story is complemented with glorious Bengal Patua scroll paintings that unfold in an accordion fashion. This would be an excellent addition to a multicultural text set.
September 11, 2013
This is a gorgeous accordion fold out telling of Noah and the Ark, revealing a scroll or banner-style depiction that reminds me of tapestry. The rich, intensely dense illustrations reveal as much as the text about the traditions from which it comes.
January 21, 2014
Interesting and odd at the same time. The artwork is reminiscent of primitive folk style art, set in India instead of the Middle East. The text is not completely true to the Biblical narrative since it leaves out Noah's sons and daughters-in-law.
February 16, 2013
A retelling of the Noah's Ark story presented in accordian folds and glorious Benagli-style scroll art.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews