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Cover of The Book of Jonah by Peter Spier

The Book of Jonah by Peter Spier

by Peter Spier

Book Details

Publisher:Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Published:2015
Pages:42
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0385379099

Reading Info

Age Range:3-7

About This Book

Originally published: Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1985.

Our Review

This wordless picture book presents the classic biblical story of Jonah and the whale through Peter Spier's remarkably detailed and expressive illustrations. Young readers will follow Jonah's journey from his initial refusal of God's command through his storm-tossed sea adventure and dramatic time inside the great fish. The intricate artwork invites children to discover new visual narratives with each reading, from the bustling port city of Joppa to the underwater world of marine creatures. Spier's visual storytelling captures both the epic scale of the storm and the intimate transformation of Jonah's character.

The absence of text makes this biblical story accessible to children of various reading levels while encouraging rich conversation between parents and children about obedience, consequences, and redemption. Spier's signature cross-hatched illustrations provide endless visual interest, with each page offering opportunities to count sea creatures, identify historical ships, and discuss emotions through characters' facial expressions. This artistic interpretation of the Old Testament tale will particularly engage visual learners and families seeking to introduce religious stories through art, leaving children with a memorable visual experience that sparks both imagination and moral reflection.

Themes

Juvenile Nonfiction

Subjects

Juvenile Nonfiction