Book Description

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Reviews (10)

Kids love it!
This is one of the books that my preschool class wore out (not tore up!) halfway through the school year! Older children can read the culturally sensitive text and all children love the colorful, interesting pictures.
My only problem with the book is the naked, rear view of Adam and Eve in the beginning. Children tend to giggle at it as well as wanting an explanation of who those people are; which causes a problem in the classroom and occasionally an issue with parents when their chilren tell about it at home. And that's not MY problem with the book; it's just the way it is in our society. society. Someone could simply glue those pages together or exise them with a sharp knife, but I don't recommend that.

Learn AND celebrate our differences!
"People" is a book not just for children, but for adults also. Reading--rather--talking about the pictures in the book with your child or your co-worker is learning about how different our world is and how diversity is beautiful. It's fun to see how people from all over the world look, play, pray, dress and eat in different ways; sometimes in a very silly way--depending on which side you are. I have used the book for many years in my human rights education workshops and I will use it now with adults to do inter-cultural relations and communications workshops. This book belongs in every child, student, family, and human relations manager's bookshelf.

The simple text and many illustrations tell about people
People shows children how different people are, and how those differences make us special. People focuses on a variety of different aspects of a variety of cultures and societies around the world, giving an illustration for each example it references. The simple text allows young children to comprehend the meaning and moral of the story, while the mini illustrations allow older children to briefly explore how people in other areas of the world eat, worship, and write, among other things. In the end, People reminds the reader, that these differences make the world interesting, and that if something someone else does seems weird to us, something we do surely seems just as strange to them!

Such a great book
Im 25 now and although I have since lost the original, this was one of the first books I had when I began to read and really is wonderful. I agree with s. burn's review, the book portrays the diversity within the world without passing any judgement good or bad. This is such a good book that I am buying a copy to replace the one I lost.

people
I think this book is cool. I like this book because it lets you see how others live,eat,and survive. It also tells you how people communicate even if there deaf,blind or mute. ... Read more

Book Description

Exciting adventure and heartwarming emotion create a dynamic drama as Noah obeys God's command to build an ark. Animated adaptation from the Caldecott Award-winning picture book by Peter Spier, narrated by James Earl Jones, music by Stewart Copeland. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed
A far peppier illustrated version of the tale of Noah's Ark than I've encountered before. On picking up this book I was greatly afraid that perhaps I'd be reading some dour staid careful accounting of the exact facts surrounding Noah, his ark, and the animals that stayed on it. Instead, I was somewhat relieved to find that this was a rather cheery offering. Here, wry wit and realism pop up in the most unexpected of placed. To my mind, there is no story so great that a little humor can't make it even better. "Noah's Ark" backs up this belief.

We begin with the oddest of two page spreads. On the left page, in the distance, we see an army marching away from a burning city. Along the side of the road, men and cows have been indiscriminately slaughtered, and they lie in small pools of blood in a dead burnt field. On the right page, Noah is tenderly harvesting his grapes. A single shaft of light illuminates him and in the distance we see his house and livestock, awake, alive, and contented. All the text says here is, "...But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord". Thus begins our tale. Slowly (and wordlessly) the ark is built. Opposite a page where Noah's sons are loading up the ark with a host of necessary provisions (things like shoes, hoes, rakes, barrels of food, watering cans, etc.) is "The Flood" by Jacobus Revius (1586-1658). Author Peter Spier has taken the liberty of translating this from the original Dutch, and the poem consists mostly of a listing of the kinds of creatures that boarded the ark. This is the only explanation of plot the book contains. From here on in, "Noah's Ark" is a wordless affair, reminiscent of the books of Anno. We watch as animals are collected and gathered. The floods rise and Noah & Co. deal with the little day-to-day problems of taking care of all the animals in the world. Baby animals are born and, in the end, the ark stops atop a mountain and the world begins anew. The final words in this story are placed against a scene of animals grazing once more under a beautiful rainbow in the sky. As Noah works in the field it reads, "...and he planted a vineyard". So it goes.

The humor is evident right from the start. I knew I was in good hands when I saw an imperial Noah shoo away a flock of bees from a hive. Only two fly inside. There's a donkey that refuses to be coaxed inwards as well. Best of all, the shot of Noah mucking out the animals' stables (a large job in and of itself). Spier chooses to separate his scenes with moments of quiet reflection. A mélange of animal and Noah pics is followed by a two page blue and white spread that contains a tiny silhouetted ark on the distant seas. There are a couple sad moments in this book as well. No child is going to enjoy the shot of the extraneous animals standing morosely outside the now full ark. As the water rises the animals disappear from view, obviously drowned. It's a touch dark.

All in all, this is a fine piece of work. There is a dearth of quality wordless picture books out there. To find something as beautiful to look at and pleasurable to glance through as Spier's, "Noah's Ark", is a rare treat indeed. All at once tender and detailed, colorful and creative, it's a sure fire favorite for any kid with a yen for a good story. This book is certain to retain its status as beloved of adults and children alike.

Beautiful, But...
Peter Spier certainly deserves all the praise he has received for this lovely book. Still, I have to admit to feeling heartbroken -- even at my age -- by the pictures of the doomed animals for whom there is no space on board, watching the Ark forlornly as the waters rise around them.

Yes, that's how the story goes, but perhaps parents might want to decide in advance how to respond if their child asks anxious questions about what will happen to the animals left outside.

An Almost Wordless Vision of Noah's Story
This book won Peter Spier the coveted Caldecott Medal for the best illustrated children's book in 1978. Most Caldecott Medal winners enhance the story with illustrations. But a few transcend the written material by becoming the story. Noah's Ark is of the latter category.

The book opens with a scene of brutal war on the left hand page. On the right hand page is the image of Noah tending to his agricultural tasks. The words at the bottom of the page say simply, " . . . But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Next, there is a translation of a Dutch poem written by Jacobus Revins that tells the briefest outline of the Noah saga. The rest of the book until the last page is wordless. The final page shows Noah after the flood tending to his agriculture with the words, " . . . and he planted a vineyard."

The illustrations provide nonverbal stories about Noah. You see the enormous task it was to build an ark, the difficulties of rounding up all the animals, the even greater challenges of taking care of them during the flood on the ark, and the process of returning to the land as the waters receded. By using only illustrations, you and your child have some latitude as to how you wish to interpret the story. You can be very literal, or you can be more poetic. A lot depends on how sensitive your child is. I can remember feeling frightened as a young child to realize that God could choose to destroy virtually all life on Earth.

The illustrations are brilliant for portraying perspective. The ark is made to appear enormous. Yet there are some illustrations during the flood where the ark is clearly tiny in the context of the worldwide ocean.

There are a lot of stories within the story. For example, the sequence where the dove is released and brings back a sprig of leaves from dry land is quite interesting. Many themes are carried out in a number of ways as well, including the notion of being a loyal servant. You can have many wonderful discussions about why God directed Noah to act as he did, and what the lessons are for today.

The colors and use of pen to fill in details are quite rewarding, as are the delicate individual watercolor images within thoughtfully planned out compositions. Noah has a benign and spiritual appeal in these representations that make him seem like someone you would want to spend time with. Rather than seeing him as remote and hard to understand, your child will probably appreciate Noah as a version of a friendly, supportive grandfather. The promise for the future is wonderfully captured by a gorgeous rainbow at the end. The overall feeling of these cartoons is not unlike the work of Walt Disney's studio animators during the 1930s.

One potential way to enjoy this book even more is to write out your own version of the story, as dictated by your youngster. As she or he matures, you can write new versions that your youngster creates. He or she will probably enjoy seeing these in the future, as a wonderful momento of growing up.

Another interesting alternative is to take another well-known story, and to create a totally illustrated version with no words.

Get to the heart of any important story, in order to grasp all of its meaning.

Fascinating & Accurate
My 4-year-old son was completely smitten with this book the first time we read it. He loved to look at all the details; the illustrations are wonderful. The book beaufully portrays God's vengeance and God's ultimate love. What struck me was the accuracy of the biblical story that so many of today's Noah's Ark books overlook or twist: - the length of time the flood waters took to receed - enough time for the animals to procreate (especially the bunnies!); - that God chose Noah, not that Noah was some sort of savior who, on his own, saved mankind; - the depravity of humanity (a city on fire); - the mess and smell of animal waste and the hard work to care for the animals - it shows Noah shoveling manure.

I strongly recommend Peter Spier's "Noah's Ark" for anyone who is interested in teaching children biblical truths so often secularized in today's world and also for the beautiful illustrations and details.

Great story beautifully told in pictures
I am particularly struck by three things in Peter Spier's Noah's Ark. First, the panoramic quality and amazing detail of the illustrations. The more time you spend with each picture the more you find. Second, the way a fairly complex story is beautifully told without words. Third, the way Spier is able to convey depth and breadth and nuance of emotion in his drawings. He exquisitely captures the body language and small facial details, in drawings that seem simple but apparently are not. This adds realism, helps you put yourself in the character's place, and is the part of Spier's artwork I like most.

Note that the illustrations at the beginning of the story depict violence and are somewhat gory if you examine the details. You might need to consider how to present this, especially with younger children (say under 4?) With the youngest, pre-verbal, you might want to skip the beginning of the story entirely. ... Read more

Book Description

The circus is in town! Come join in the fun as Caldecott Medalist Peter Spier creates a circus like no other, in this exuberant celebration of the wonders of the big top.

"A treat!" -- Kirkus Reviews

"This premier illustrator offers a glorious new treat....children will undoubtedly want to pore over it." -- School Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Enchants and Entertains Just Like a Circus Should!
My kids love this book.

It is beautifully illustrated, with very detailed drawings that draw children into the scenes. The story is enchanting for little ones and introduces them not only to the circus but also to how people work, different countries in the world and different people.

Lots of animals, clowns, acrobats and a human cannonball will keep your little ones's attention glued to the book. One of the best loved children's books in our house.

Peter Speir's Circus
This is my brothers absolute favorite book. The detail in the pictures is unbelivable. This is a must for every childs book shelf ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nicely detailed illustrations introduce our National Anthem
Peter Spier is one of my favorite illustrators of children's books. Here, his illustrations for three verses of Francis Scott Key's poem and song, "The Star-Spangled Banner," provide an excellent introduction for children to the meaning behind his famous lyrics.

I usually read this aloud to primary classes around a patriotic holidays. This year, because of our late school year, I read it for Flag Day. Since the words and historical setting are unfamiliar to most younger students, I have begun introducing this book with "The Story of 'The Star Spangled Banner,'" which can be found in "The Children's Book of America," edited by William J. Bennett. These two volumes make fine companions.

Even with this introduction, Key's text needs explaining, however with Spier's finely detailed illustrations, this task is much easier. Children love to examine the intricacies and they usually come up with some excellent comments and questions. On the page featuring Arlington National Cemetery, they ask about who died in battle, why some of the grave markers are stars instead of crosses, and why the flag is flying at half-mast.

Our copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is nearly worn out from heavy use. That should say something about the popularity of this excellent patriotic book.

A book to inspire young patriots,
our four-year-old claims this is his FAVORITE book. Perhaps it is because his mother chokes up and tears drop to her cheeks as she reads this book. We have found that this is an excellent read-aloud and has stretched our four-year-old's language skills in many ways. As if The Star Spangled Banner weren't moving enough, the arrangement of pictures flows along with the words of the song to create an image of heroics and bravery. In addition, little incidentals like soldiers feeding their horses and wet clothes hanging to dry aboard ship cause us to remember that these were real people fighting. Peter Spier mixes history with the present as he causes us to remember what these men were fighting for. We see schools and businesses, Arlington Cemetery and the Statue of Liberty, cities and rural farms, synagogues and churches, Amish buggies and a Friends Meeting House all as evidence of our cultural diversity. We also see that the fight continues as we witness a renovation project and scientists working in a lab. The first, second and fourth verses are illustrated. The pictures help the capable parent define words such as "conceals" and "discloses." In addition, the artwork contains so much information and story that conversation just develops as the book is read. There is an oustanding collection of Flags of America and a thorough history of the War of 1812. The words to all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner and the music by J Stafford Smith follow. Peter Spier is becoming our hero as the author of our favorite children's books. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A song of a fox hunting for its family.
This children's book is based on a 1945 Burl Ives adaptation of an old folk song about a fox who went hunting for geese. The song is included so that children can sing as well. The book was a 1962 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustration in a book for children.

Wonderful memories, wonderful book
This book is a treasure from my childhood. I remember singing the song along with my dad and older sister. Since I was reading at age 3, I read this book by myself. I didn't find it too graphic then, nor do I now. The images didn't disturb me in the least.
I love this little book, and have given it as a gift many times, always to rave reviews from the parents and children alike. It is fast-paced and the lyrics are fun to sing. The pictures are delightful, from the detailed farm scenes, right down to the Civil War monuments in the town square that the reader sees as the fox passes by with his birds. I recommend this for children of any age, and their parents. It is a treasure of a children's book.

Music Enhances the Story
This book is the musical tale of a fox raiding the farmer's bin in order to feed his family of a wife and ten little foxes. The book has a long title, which is typically problematic for young children. In my house the book is known simply as "Fox".

The story's lyrics are simple and repetitive. While broaching mature themes such as prayer, hunting, self-defense and providing for a family, the story flows most ostensibly as the adventure of the expeditious fox through the unassuming town.

The music is both hopeful and melancholy. Sung against a back drop of colonial New England, the story has a charming, romantic air to it. The illustrations are suitable for children while conveying a stylistic and modern tone.

Even after the 150th reading, I am still excited to read of the fox's exploits and am comparatively happier to have my 20 month old little daughter choose this handsome tale over what seems like an overabundance of pointless and ill-conceived young children's stories.

wonderful for speech delayed 4 year old
Wonderful illustrations to the well known classic song. Great for kids who love to sing or who learn well when things are in a song! The illustrations are a bit graphic, but at 4 years, I think it is fine. My son loves this book. We "sing" it together. Very good for speech therapy goals too, new words and situations.

Fun sing-a-long classic!
The first time I read this, the words seemed really silly. I had never heard this classic song before and was not familiar with the lyrics, which it turns out are a bit graphic and disturbing. But then again, so are many other children's songs.

Anyway, despite that, my daughter loves this book. It's a great book you can sing along to and the song has a nice tune to it. The fun part is doing the "town-o, town-o, town-o" with the special emphasis on the "O"s.

Also, as others have mentioned, the illustrations are truly marvelous -- a definite classic. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Spier strikes again!
"Rain" is yet another memorable work by Peter Spier.

Like "Peter Spier's Christmas!", "Rain" is a wordless picture book that beautifully captures the essence of the moment that Mr. Spier is trying to convey. Childhood memories are faithfully recorded in a montage of images that we all know and remember.

The amount of detail in Spier's work is staggering, but not overdone. Everything just seems to fit. Upon repeat viewings, the reader captures another hidden detail. Obviously, Mr. Spier knew what it was like to live around older homes, with all of their idiosyncrasies. Here we see an old, uneven brick doorstep. Ornamental decoration on the pillars of the family porch. The assorted flotsom and jetsom that fills the yard of a large, old home, and the children's room in particular. All of these and more are extremely accurate reditions of an older home.

We also see the child's viewpoint of rain. The standing in running water by the curb, the walking under a broken gutter with your umbrella, the colors that jump out from rain-soaked flowers, the wind, the warm cocoa Mom provides upon returning home to tell of your adventures. All of it is here, and real, and true-to-life.

The story follows two children as they spend the day experiencing their world during a rainstorm. Nothing more. Nothing less. It's that simple, and that beautiful.

Buy this book.

There is nothing more to say.

Loved it!
Originally found it at the library. My 2 & 3 year old loved making up their own story and pointing out the story in their own way. I look forward to owning this one and getting other works from this author!

a smiler. Mr.Spier shows us beauty in common things.
I want to own this book in hardcover. It is a keeper. You can look and look again seeing more each time you look at these scenes of family life and the natural world. Thanks, Mr. Spier. ... Read more

Book Description

"Take care of the little riders," says Johanna's father to the eleven-year-old when he leaves her with his parents for an extended vacation in their Dutch village. And Johanna does. She loves the twelve metal figures on horseback who ride forth each hour from the clock on the ancient church tower. She would do anything to protect them, anything. And on night she risks her life to prove it.

Set during the Second World War when the German army occupied Holland, The Little Riders is an exciting, moving adventure story, just right for reading aloud. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Little Riders
I think this is a great book for kids. It is a exciting on the edge of your seat book. I love this book!

I am very proud of my grandmother for writting it
The book was very good. I thought that it showed the real problems inHolland at that time and I am very proud of my grandmother for writting it.

CHARMING TALE OF JUVENILE HEROISM
This short tale highlights the resilience and determination of the Dutch people to live free from oppression during Nazi occupation. Young Johanna (raised in America but with a Dutch father) has spent the last five years with hergrandparents in a small village in Holland. She has come cherish the the simple but dignified lifestyle in northern Holland, the last part of the country to be liberated.While some were collaborating with the enemy, she made a private vow never to look a Nazi soldier in the face.

The village treasure consists of a set of 12 Little Riders of metal (modeled centuries ago to represent Crusaders); they ride out and salute each other when the church clock tolls the hours. Johanna's favorite viewing spot is her attic room--just where her father used to sit and admire them as a boy. But when the Nazis invade the village, her family is forced to house a young officer (who plays the flute on summer nights). She has to vacate her little room with its view of the Riders (and a secret hiding place at the back of her closet).

The villagers' worst fears are realized when the commanding officer orders his men to seize theLittle Riders and melt them down for ammunition--to be used against the very people who love them. How can 11-year-old Johanna help her grandfather prevent this desecration? Even children can exhibit heroism for a noble cause, for these Little Riders represent more than just medieval art.They now symbolize the spirit of joy and yearning for liberty of the Dutch people. Who will suffer Nazi retaliation when the Riders are discovered missing? A thoughtful tale which will charm adult readers and inspire youthful ones.

One in a life time
This has always been my favorite book it's a don't miss for kids and even as an adult I enjoy it. Little Riers is a pass me down book that can just keeps getting read by every generation. don't miss sharing it with a child in your life ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A family favorite
My mother in law introduced this book to my 18 month old son during one of her visits. Reading it in a song like fashion caught and kept his attention and he continues to request the fox book during our story reading sessions. The copy was one her three sons adored and she's handed it down to us. As with her sons, it's become a favorite around here. It's a little gruesome in reality, but we can't keep our kids in a bubble about everything. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Timeless Christmas sentiments from Mr. Spier
This is too delightful a book to be out of print!

Mr. Speir again showcases his talent for detail in this charming, word-free picture book about Christmas. The story is linear, have a starting point and logical ending point, but many of the images in between could easily be shuffled about with no detriment to the overall book.

What we have here are snatches of personal memory, vignettes of both public and hidden moments, perhaps even just a glance that catches a simple image from a childhood Christmas past, all faithfully recorded in the mind's eye and replayed with each new Christmas season for years and years. I was struck by how carefully Mr. Speir was able to capture these images for us, all of which we instantly recognize in a sort of collective unconscious, or universal memory.

The ornaments packed away in the attic, the hectic shopping at grocery stores and shopping malls, hanging a wreath, standing outside in the quiet dusk to admire the Christmas lights and the tree in the window, a packed church service, carolers, bringing small gifts and a visit to the elderly nieghbors, the cat sitting by the electric candle on the window sill and looking out at the world, the silent night, the magic of Christmas Morning, the presents, the dinner, the relatives, the phone calls to old friends and family seperated by distance, the quiet moment by the fire at the end of the day.

Everything, absolutely everything is here, lovingly detailed by Mr. Speir's ink pen.

This is the perfect Christmas, with no fighting, no stress, no phony commercialism, no bickering children or adults. Like memory, Mr. Speir wisely highlights the good, the pleasant, the golden, the loving, and the ideal rememberances of Christmas.

A rare and wonderful achievement, and a Christmas book to be treasured.

Second Generation Spier Fan
My children are growing up with Spier just as I did.The youngest love to look at the pictures and hear me tell about them.Older children love to make up the story as it progresses.Great tool for promoting imagination.

A picture's worth a thousand words
We set this book out with all the other Christmas decorations every year.It's a tradition.Even the older ones in the family enjoy the book without words.The beautiful illustrations take you through a journey of afamily's Christmas season. If you love Christmas, you must have it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Information without overload
I found this book a breath of fresh air for many reasons.I am a homeschooling mom of three children and have found that the topic of history in many books appears rather dry.This book is simply the Preambleof our Constitution with TONS of illustrations.These illustrationsvisually describe the Constitution much better than words ever could whichmakes this book appropriate for children of all ages. The pictures rangefrom early to modern times, showing the evolution of our country and howthe Constitution empowers and protects us even today.A short two pagehistory of the Constitution as well as a copy of the original document arealso included, only making this book all the more valuable to a family'slibrary.ENJOY! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

still wonderful
This book seems to be in print in the UK. I picked up a copy in English in Holland, near the town of Edam, where it is set. I remember it from my own childhood and it still charms. But I've given the one I bought as a gift and wanted to buy additional copies. So I add my voice to the chorus looking for a reprint.

A Very Special Book
I happened to see the picture book while on vacation in Holland. (Highly overpriced, but since it's out of print here it was worth it.) This is such a cute story and I look forward to sharing it with children. It can exposechildren to some characteristics of this beautiful country many of themhaven't even heard of. Hendrika is the most adorable cow!

A wonderful book that I wish would be reprinted.
I found this book in our local library and it quickly became one of those we regularly took out.Now that our family has moved, I would like to buy it for my children, but so far I have had no luck finding it.My olderdaughter especially loves to read books dealing with different times anddifferent places.This book certainly deserves to be available more thansome so-called "classics".

A charming endearing and enduring tale.
I read this book when I lived in Amsterdam as a little girl.Of course it was in Dutch which I spoke fluently at the time.I found the book in the attic many years later and was surprised that I couldn't read it any more,because I still remembered the story.I would like my children to readthis book and have such long-lasting memories of a dear story.

Peter Spiers first illustrated book
This first book illustrated by Peter Spier shows his early style. It is rich with details depicting rural and village life in Holland. The story is a favorite among my family. Hopefully it will be reprinted in the near future. ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrated in full color throughout, this is the complete tale of Jonah, one of the best-loved stories in the Old Testament. With great skill and charming illustrations, Peter Spier brings to life all of Jonah's travels and tribulations: his flight to Tarshish, the raging storm at sea, three days and nights in the belly of a great fish, the journey to Nineveh, Jonah's anger with the Lord, and the lesson of the vine. A reference section at the end of the book, complete with full-color maps, enables readers to learn about the type of ship Jonah might have sailed on and the history and geography of the area in which he lived.

The Book of Jonah is a very special creation, to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Young children, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and all who love children will delight in the intricate artwork and engaging story. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

WARNING not the same text as the 1985 edition
The 1985 Doubleday editon of Jonah by Spier is a wonderful book. It merits 5 stars, and I agree with everything that reviewer Joan Koelle Snipes says about it - adding that the 1985 edition very closely paraphrases the text of Jonah from the bible, with great illustrations to match it.

However the 2000 Baker edition, while retaining the same illustrations, replaces the bible text with a poorly done fictionalized story about Jonah. Don't get it. Track down the original instead.

Excellent in every way!
This is a wonderful retelling of the story of Jonah. It's a good choice for preschoolers AND elementary school aged children. The illustrations are very detailed, so it is an especially good choice when you are reading aloud to just one or two children. (You need to be close to the book to see and talk about Spier's great pictures.) Our two daughters enjoyed this book when they were young, and I count it as a classic which should be in every home where parents want to teach Bible stories. As a parent and a long-time Sunday school teacher, I highly recommend this book. ... Read more