 | | |
| The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud (The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz, Book One) | 
 enlarge | List Price: $14.99
Buy New: $10.17
You Save: $4.82 (32%)
Buy New/Used from $9.20
Avg. Customer Rating:  (based on 11 reviews)
Sales Rank: 638958
Category: Book
Author: Jenny L. Cote
Publisher: AMG Publishers
Studio: AMG Publishers
Manufacturer: AMG Publishers
Label: AMG Publishers
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 464
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 0.9
ISBN: 0899571980
EAN: 9780899571980
ASIN: 0899571980
Publication Date: September 30, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Wit, Whimsy, Heartache, Tragedy, Triumph and Biblical Truth A magical adventure of animals traveling worldwide to Noah's ark Max, a Scottish terrier, takes his usual morning trot down to the loch where he hears a mysterious Voice humming in the reeds saying, "COME TO ME . . .
FOLLOW THE FIRE CLOUD." He embarks on an unknown journey from Scotland, meeting other animals along the way including Liz, a brilliant, petite black cat from France. Max and Liz become the brave leaders for their group, and eventually, for the entire ark. The mysterious journey, filled with danger, humor, trials, and triumphs, leads them across Europe to the Middle East.
The moment of arrival for these animals is spectacular as the ark is miraculously transformed into the animals' natural habitats.
Throughout the prior one hundred years, Noah and family have to endure ridicule from villagers while building the ark. Now this family must painfully witness the loss of lives and total destruction of the earth through the mighty flood.
After the journey to the ark, the voyage in the ark begins. Liz finds ways to keep the animals occupied, including daily exercise led by the flamingos and talent night where the animals entertain each other with their natural abilities. BUT a sinister plot develops. Someone is out to kill Noah and his family. Liz follows clues that lead her to discover a stowaway who has deceived them all. Max and Liz foil the plot, but at a high price. The end climaxes with unexpected twists and turns, taking the reader from despair to hope.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 Wonderful story! December 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a great book! I started reading it and immediately fell in love with the characters. After reading the first few chapters I realized there were wonderful spiritual truths woven into the story, and I knew I had to share it with my animal-loving daughter. So I started it over as a read-aloud with her. She is enjoying it as much as I am! Each chapter leaves her begging for more. She enjoys the gentle humor and adventure, and I appreciate the practical life lessons that are an integral part of the story -- trusting "the Maker", following where He leads, the value of friendship, the wisdom of elders... We look forward to reading the sequels!
 "Know that you are loved and that you are able" November 27, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
One misty dawn Max the Scottish terrier left his burrow and trotted to the loch, where he heard a strange humming in the reeds: COME. COME TO ME. FOLLOW THE FIRE CLOUD. Startled, Max climbed the Glen for advice from his wise friend Gillamon, an ancient and well traveled goat. Gillamon pondered a while and told Max that he was being called by the Maker and had to accept the challenge. Max, brave but humble, took a reed from the loch and struck out on his epic journey.
The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud (The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz, Book One) is the tale of Max the terrier and Liz, the sleek black cat from France, who lead a swelling progress of animals around the world to join Noah in his epic water journey. Their party includes Al, a big orange Irish cat, and the wee terrier Kate, also from Scotland; seagulls Bethoo and Crinan; and Craddock the whale. Animals from all parts of the world join them, each called to follow the fire cloud.
Snippets of Noah's trials are woven through the story. Noah and his family spent one hundred years building the ark at God's direction, undeterred by the ridicule of the surrounding population. Finally the two stories intersect, the animals board the wondrous ark, and the rains begin. The trials of Max and Liz are by no means over because the ark contains the seed of the same wickedness God is purging with the floods. Can the two brave friends contain and overcome the threat? What will be their reward for courage and faith? What's at the heart of the magnificent fire cloud that inspires and leads this unlikely crew?
Clearly the themes of religion and morality underpin this fantasy adventure. Whether or not the idea of a Bible-based morality tale attracts you, author Jenny L. Cote's writing and characterization are bound to enchant any reader. While aimed at the 9-to-12-year set, this is a book for the entire family to enjoy -- in fact the complex themes beg to be discussed en famille. The animals speak in the accent and idiom of their home countries, a real feast for any parent or teacher who enjoys dramatic reading (though possibly an obstacle for children reading for themselves). Don't miss the glossary of main characters by country, with a key to their "lingo."
This book is the first in a planned series about Max and Liz. Other reviewers have mentioned that giant in the genre, C.S. Lewis. THE ARK, THE REED, & THE FIRE CLOUD is more explicitly Bible-based than the Narnia series, but in spite of its antediluvian roots the story is fresh, full of fantasy and wonderful characters, scary at times -- thoroughly modern.
I can't wait to get a look at the next book in the series. I'm settling on four stars, only because of the challenging accents. Recommended for readers and listeners of all ages.
Linda Bulger, 2008
Amazing even for a non Christian November 11, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book is the story of Noah's Ark from the perspective of the animals. Whether or not you believe the story of Noah's Ark really did take place, the story is thought provoking and interesting and when written as Jenny L. Cote has, also fun at times. (Well for those spared at least.)
You can also find out more about the book at the website, [...]. Throughout the site there are three different YouTube videos.
This book was written with ages 8-12 in mind but I don't know many 8 year olds who could read this on their own. I think younger than 9 would need to read it with a parent or by a parent. It's a biggie with 432 pages. It is most definitely a book for teens and adults too, especially if you love animals. We have no way for sure to know what animals would say if they could talk but I'm sure what Jenny wrote them as saying is as close as we could get. All the talking is believable.
Since the animals come from all over the world, one would imagine they would speak different languages. While it would be impossible to have each animal speak a different language completely (how would they talk amongst themselves?) the author made sure to include common saying and words from the different languages. You can see all of them listed by country in the back of the book. For example the African animals say Moffie to mean wimpy and Isit? to mean Really? The Australian animals may say G'day for Hello and Sheila for a woman while the Scottish animals say Bonnie to mean Pretty and Ta to mean To. I found myself reading with an accent in my head!
More than the first half of the book is the journey of the animals to the ark. At first thought, you may think 200 pages is way too much for just a journey to the ark but you would be wrong. Jenny could have written more if she wasn't worried about how the long might get. The second half is after everyone is on the ark which again is NOT boring. In fact Liz organizes all kinds of activities for the animals to do to keep busy.
The Ark, The Reed & The Fire Cloud is just the first in a series of books called The Amazing Tales of Max & Liz. The next novel which Jenny L. Cote is currently working on will be called The Dreamer, The Schemer and The Robe. You can read a synopsis of that book and the next two here, just click on books.
I really enjoyed this book and will be hanging on to my copy of it for sure!
Humor, adventure, danger, twists and turns... November 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Jenny L. Cote
Living Ink Books, 2008
ISBN: 9780899571980
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 10/08
5 stars
Humor, adventure, danger, twists and turns...
Jenny L Cote is an extremely talented author. The Ark, the Reed & the Fire Cloud is sure to be a favorite of your child. The plot follows Max, a Scottish terrier, and Liz, a feline, as they lead other various animals to Noah's Ark. Cote never allows her tale to be boring. She uses humor, adventure, danger, twists, and turns throughout the plot.
The Ark, the Reed & the Fire Cloud will make a great read aloud to your children or grandchildren. Some children will even want to read it to themselves, although 437 pages may be a bit daunting to most young children. It is easy to recommend this book to parents and grandparents.
A beautiful story and a massive adventure of Biblical proportions November 2, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Even a non-religious person like myself can appreciate the beauty of this wonderful read.
Max, a Scottish terrier, and Liz, a beautiful black cat, are called from their individual homes to lead an ever-growing group of animals to Noah's recently-finished Ark. Along the way are many obstacles that, with a little help from the Maker and his trail-blazing fire cloud, the slew of furry creatures successfully cross. But once they board the ark and settle in, a controversy starts to brew. Are the reclusive wolves causing all the chaos that is slowly severing the friendly ties between the animals and the humans? If not them, who could be responsible for such a task? It's up to the brave and intelligent pairing of Max and Liz to find out before it's too late.
This book had me flipping through chapter after chapter, anxiously following the creatures from distant and nearby lands to the Ark. Each character, no matter how big a part, has their own personality that shines through, providing humorous relief or a jaw-dropping twist to the story. Cote flawlessly links the details of the trip with the recordings of the Bible. The closing of the adventure is beautiful and tear-inducing. An amazing literary work.
- T.C. Robson
|
|
|
 Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| | |
