Also illustrated by Jack E. Davis: Marsupial Sue Presents 'The Runaway Pancake' We're All in the Same Boat by Zachary R. Shapiro, illustrated by Jack E. Davis Ages 4-8 32 pages Putnam January 2009 Hardcover     A forty-day, forty-night cruise sounds like a dream vacation to the animals – at first. But before long, tempers start rising, along with the water: “The llama’s were livid. The moose were mouthing off. The nightingales were nagging.” Life aboard the crowded ship makes all the animals from A to Z turn on poor Noah. So how does one lowly prophet calm a boatload of cantankerous creatures? By reminding them that we’re all in the same boat. Author Zachary Shapiro’s first picture book, We're All in the Same Boat takes Noah’s story and turns it upside down with a view from the animals’ side. Told in alphabetical order with lyrical alliteration, Shapiro teaches a lesson of teamwork and the power of positive thinking without a didactic or heavy-handed touch. Combined with the hilarious and lively artwork of award-winning illustrator Jack E. Davis, you’ve got a picture book filled with fun for all ages. The next time you feel a pout or gripe coming on, remember: we’re all in the same boat.     web reviews   Niki Schoenfeldt/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)