איך הצילה הזיקית את נח

by Yael Molchadsky, יעל מולצ'דסקי, Orit Bergman

סיפור חדש על נח בתיבה בהשראת מדרש חז"ל. הסיפור עוסק בדאגה ליצור קטן ובטיפול בו ובחשיבותו של כל יצור בטבע על רקע הסיפור התנכ"י של נח והמבול.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Religion, Cultural, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously, if you study the logic of the Noah's Ark story, there are holes.

My dad taught Sunday school, and one of his favorite stories was how he was stumped when a student asked how the animals that were sacrificed survived, if they started out with just the classic "two". Loathe to admit he didn't know, he asked the other students for ideas. One said, "The animals reproduced during the trip," and he said, "Right!"

So, logically--the chameleons could have eaten bugs, and what did the carnivores eat? However, I really like the message that every creature has its place in the ecosystem, as Noah saves even the threatening worms that are eating their food.

[Sara Grochowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the themes of inclusion and individuality at play, there wasn't anything particularly exciting about story. Might be a fun story to share with those kids who question the practicality of the ark though.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah, his wife Na'ama, and his sons Shem, Ham and Japheth are kept busy on the ark, feeding all of the animals in their care in this imaginative take on the biblical flood myth. Despite the work, only the two chameleons on board, changeable in color but steadfast in their refusal to eat, prove a challenge to care for. Nothing the family do can convince them to try a bite to eat... until worms are found in the ark's food stores. Suddenly the chameleons begin to feast, saving both themselves and the ark's other residents. Thanks to Noah, even the worms (at least two of them) are also preserved...

Originally published in Israel as איך הצילה הזקית את נח ("How Did Chameleon Save Noah?"), The Chameleon That Saved Noah's Ark presents a creative new take on a well-known tale from author Yael Molchadsky, a children's book editor in her home country who makes her authorial debut here. I appreciated the fact that this was a story about how Noah and his family cared for the animals, and that it focused on a particular challenge they faced. After all, I can vividly recall thinking, when reading this Bible story as a child, that Noah must have had a tough time keeping the peace between the various animals in his charge. It only makes sense that he might also have trouble keeping them all properly fed. I also appreciated the solution to the problem of the chameleons' diet, and the fact that Noah doesn't allow all the worms to be eaten, acknowledging that this species too has its place in the world, and its role to perform (go worms, aerate the earth!). As much as I enjoyed the narrative here however, I found the artwork even more appealing. This was my first encounter with Orit Bergman's illustrations, but I certainly hope it will not be my last! I loved her use of color, and her stylized figures, and think that the visuals here really amplified the pleasure of the reading process. Recommended to anyone seeking fun and creative retellings of the Noah's Ark story for children.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah's ark had many animals. This is a story about the chameleon on the ark and how it may have played a role in the event. It is a wonderful story for Christian children wanting to learn more about the animals, food chain and camouflage aspect of the ark.

[Heather Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I felt the art could have been a bit more detailed (esp. the human forms), the story was adorable with a great theme. This book prompted a great conversation with my three-year-old about each person's unique gifts and talents. Great read!

[Allyson Goose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice way for me to help my young kids (ages 4 and 6) learn more about the story of Noah's Ark. I like the idea of sticking with someone to help them, even when it's difficult. I also appreciated that even worms play an important role in the world.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found a lesson plan that centered around this book. The lesson plan was clearly for older children, 5th grade and up, while the book was for pre-readers. A lovely book, great illustrations. It just didn't really work for my class and intentions.

[Jack Fenster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I would like this story more than I did. The only thing that left me enjoying this book was the illustration, which may be because I love chameleons, but I also did find the colors to be fun to follow along to.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Noah's ark with a twist, he can't figure out what to feed the chameleon's. Will he ever find the right food for them? Preschool and up. Maybe right toddlers.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the art work and I liked the message that we all need to work together. The liked the artwork more than the story, though. It's an ok read.

[Sylvie Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would pair well with Sylvia Rouss's "The Littlest Pair," another Noah's Ark-related fantasy.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kudos for drawing/painting the chameleon feet correctly!

[Candi Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. It’s a fun, imaginative story about some lizards that save the day on the ark. However, it didn’t have the wives of Noah’s sons in it. That bothered me and diminished my enjoyment of it.

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chameleons on the ark will not eat. They are shrinking. What is Noah to do?

[Evan Childress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I am not a huge fan of biblical stories unless they are viewed through the lens of folklore or fantasy. This book does a pretty good job of staying away from anything preachy, and takes a tale that most children have heard of- Noah's Ark, and imagines a story unfolding. Noah and his family take good care of the animals on their ark by feeding them each a daily meal. Except no one can figure out what the chameleons like to eat. As they get skinnier by the day, the family also discovers worms in their fruit bins- and you can probably guess what happens next. All in all a solid folkloric tale that is bolstered by the folk art-style painted illustrations.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the Noah's ark story that I've previously heard. In this colorful story of Noah, Na'ama (Noah's wife), sons, and animals aboard the ark. They are trying to feed the animals, but chameleon is picky and won't eat anything that they can find. Readers will love the very colorful painted illustrations that are just fascinating, especially those of the feeding animals. Finally, the chameleons save the day as the picky chameleons eat the worms in the pomegranate and save the food. Creative twist on a well-known Bible story that has a good message, "Everything and everyone has a place under the sun."

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah and his family have their hands full feeding and caring for all the animals on the ark. When they go to feed the chameleon, she won't eat anything they offer her. They try everything, but she wants none of it. One day Noah's wife finds that there are worms in the fruit and vegetables! If they lose this food, what will they eat?! Then the chameleon perks up, flicks out her tongue, and starts devouring the worms. The food is saved! The chameleon is fed! A happy ending in a unique story.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a unique twist of the familiar Bible story, Noah's Ark. The vibrant and fun illustrations make this a joy to read for ages 5-8. In the end, The Chameleon That Saved Noah's Ark delivers a wonderful message for children. A lot of times, younger siblings may feel that because of their age or size, they aren't needed as much as an older sibling. This story does indeed show them that no matter the size, everyone has an important role.

**I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion

[Jennifer Miera · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different take on Noah's Ark that has the chameleon "saving" the ark by eating worms that were destroying the food stores on the boat. Obviously, if we explore this tale, there's a lack of logic. Poor chameleon, Noah can't figure out what this little creature eats. Aren't there insects on the Ark, since every creature was brought on board two-by-two? Did all of the omnivores and carnivores eat only fruits and veg during the journey? Or were "extra" animals supplied to supply the diets of these non-vegetarians? Probably a tale that would be enjoyed by those who like Biblical stories.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two poor chameleons are getting thinner and thinner on Noah's ark. Everyone tries, but no one can find the food that interests them. Until one day, worms are found eating their way through the food supply.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost 5 stars, but how could a book about Noah's ark NOT include a rainbow???
Other than that, this unique peek into life on the ark entertains and promotes a need to know more.
Folk-art style paintings give reader details which might also lead to deeper inquiry about the famous vessel.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming take on the Noah's Ark story and lovely folk art-like illustrations.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely addition to the Noah's Ark story as long as you don't expect too much depth and explanation.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quaint and pleasing story with folksy illustrations.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great new take on an old familiar story.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bright and pretty illustrations. Even though I do not believe the Noah's Ark story, I can get with the spirit of a massive animal rescue!

[Asho · Rating 4 out of 5]

S (age 5) is really into chameleons at the moment. I'm not sure what started the fixation, but he talks about chameleons all the time: he likes to pretend to be one, he tells me he wants to visit all the countries where chameleons live, etc. So of course he was happy to stumble across this chameleon book at the library.
We're Christians so I'm a-ok with the Noah's Ark story, although I think this book is presented in such a way that I think even non-Jewish and non-Christian families could happily enjoy this book together. The story isn't "preachy" and the main message has almost more of an environmentalist theme: all creatures exist together in the circle of life to nourish one another.
The best part of this book is the beautiful illustrations, "folkloric", as the description states. There is a lot of detail in each picture, and my son has enjoyed just looking through this book alone and studying the pictures.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever story about how one problem chameleons won't eat helps to solve another problem worms in the food. "[E]verything and everyone has a place under the sun."

3.5 stars.

[Viviane Elbee]

Twist on the biblical Noah's Ark story - this time the chameleons are the main focus. This story's message is that all life is important and worth saving.

Book is good for fans of bible stories & Noah's Ark stories. Also good if you are looking for books with themes about the importance of all forms of life and kindness towards others.