Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Noah and the Ziz
Second in a series featuring the Ziz

by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn


      The Ziz is a big colorful bird who has been the star of a previous book by Jacqueline Jules, called The Hardest Word: A Yom Kippur Story. He is well-meaning but often gets into trouble. In his latest adventure, the Ziz helps Noah gather all of the animals into the ark. His rush to get the job done lands him in trouble with Noah, who keeps telling him to slow down. The Ziz learns his lesson and still saves the day.

      Children will enjoy Jules' delightful, but very fallible, character the Ziz just because he isn't perfect. They will crow when they see him carrying the zebras and tigers by their stripes! The Ziz is klutzy and overeager and draws frowns from grownups just as children sometimes do, but he learns from his mishaps. And, that's the heart of Jules' books. The Ziz, who already is bigger than life and makes gigantic mistakes, learns from them and becomes a better person because of it.

      Katherine Janus Kahn's bright watercolor illustrations bring to life this new twist on the flood story. The animals are whimsical and colorful, and poor old Noah looks harried and overworked.

       Noah and the Ziz is sure to be a book that little ones will want their parents to read over and over-and this story won't be tiresome for adults. In fact, I read it several times and still found surprises in the story and the illustrations that I didn't notice before. The language Jules uses is easy for young readers, but it is not sparse or condescending.

      Jules, a school librarian, has become so enamored with her character the Ziz that she had a local artist make a stuffed replica of the big, yellow bird. Her stuffed friend accompanies her at book signings and library and school appearances.

The Book

Kar-Ben Publishing
January 2005
Paperback
1-58013-121-2
Children, picture book - Age Group: 3-8
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Excerpt
NOTE:

The Reviewer

Janie Franz
Reviewed 2005
NOTE: Reviewer Janie Franz is the author of Freelance Writing: It's a Business, Stupid!, Relaxation Techniques for Children, Relaxation Techniques for Adults, co-author of The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book Coming soon: The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book, The Ultimate Wedding Workbook, Get Rich on Love, and Sacred Breath (a sound recording of relaxation meditations).
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