The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud by Jenny L. Cote
The morning a little Scottish terrier named Max hears a voice say, “Come to me” takes him on a grand adventure across Europe to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Noah has endured harsh ridicule from the villagers as he finishes building the ark.
When Max and his cat friend, Liz, enter the large boat, they must survive the flood but also avoid find out who is trying to sabotage the whole plan.
When you purchase through a link, Love Joy Read-Alouds earns a small commission – at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
LJR’s Thoughts for The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud
This series is often talked about in book review groups for Christian families so I had high expectations for this story. It was tough for awhile because of the “marriage” between some animals after just having met. Sometimes there are little things we get hung up on, you know?
But I’m glad I stuck with it. I loved the ending. It was gripping and gutwrenching but hopeful.
Overall Rating: 4.75 out of 5
Christian Morals/Values: 5 out of 5
Story: 5 out of 5
Read-Aloud Value: 4 out of 5
Discussion Value: 5 out of 5
Recommended Post: Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
Content Considerations for The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud
In our usual LJR fashion, we try to find anything that Christian families may want to know about ahead of time to address, skip, or dig deeper into. Take a look at what we found below. Our take on Discipleship Opportunities is at the bottom of the review.
- Positive Behavior: Max, Liz, and friends are brave and kind. Max tells friend easiest way not always best and creatures grow through struggles. Sin is not glorified.
- Negative Behavior: A character struggles with sin but is helped by friends and we see repentance and redemption.
- Language: “imbecile”;
- Violence/Intense Scenes: Animals in dark forest afraid of wolves; wolves chase a character as a recurring theme; once on ark and rain starts, mention of a friend who “was drowning outside the ark”, mention of the friend being good and this could be particularly difficult for younger children.
- Religion/Spirituality: Mentions of signs but without testing to see if really from the Maker; Chapter with Adam and Lamech, will want to go to scripture to see what can conclude and what’s creative license;
- Racism/Discrimination: None
- Romance/Sexuality: a female dog shows up and Max and female are obviously “attracted” to each and wonder if they could be meant for each other, Max thinks maybe fire cloud is meant to bring them together;
- Substance Usage: None
Discipleship Opportunities
- Two characters debate throughout the book the definition of faith. One argues that if you need to explain everythingx then doesn’t leave much room for faith. The other animal suggests abandoning intellect for faith is when amazing things will really happen. No real correction on this so digging into the Biblical meaning of faith will be a great – and mostly necessary – conversation to have with your children. Dig into Hebrews 11:1 or even start with this article.
- When Max and friends are on the boat and the flood begins, there is mention of a friend who is drowning outside and the fact that the friend was “good.” Make sure you are ready for this conversation. The story of the flood can be found in Genesis 6:9 – 22.
PIN IT FOR LATER
