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One Wide River to Cross
Woodcut illustrations and brief text from an American folk song relate the story of the animals on Noah's ark.
32 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1966
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 31, 2019
A beginning rhyming song about Noah and all the animals. This is really crafted and very lovely. I think these are wood cut-outs onto solid color sheets. Each sheet is different. It’s also a counting book as we start with the single animals and work our way up to the animals 10 at a time. This is short and sweet. I enjoyed the rhymes. This is for younger kids and up.
There are a lot of crazy characters in the artwork and the nephew enjoyed looking through and picking out his favorite. He loved the little frog beating a drum. This book didn’t overly excite him, but he did give this 3 stars. The niece thought this was nice, but not being accurate bothered her. She kept saying, it’s two by two. They also have a unicorn and a griffin and other mythical beast, which I loved. These are the single animals. She gave this 2 stars. It didn’t impress her.
There are a lot of crazy characters in the artwork and the nephew enjoyed looking through and picking out his favorite. He loved the little frog beating a drum. This book didn’t overly excite him, but he did give this 3 stars. The niece thought this was nice, but not being accurate bothered her. She kept saying, it’s two by two. They also have a unicorn and a griffin and other mythical beast, which I loved. These are the single animals. She gave this 2 stars. It didn’t impress her.
August 24, 2020
It's probably best not to get me started on how I am NOT A FAN of the Noah's ark tale, but I'll make an exception for this book due to the stunning artwork.
I LOVE those bright colors and the bold graphics.
The "story" is basically a counting rhyme, adapted from a folk song or hymn, I guess?
The animals came in four by four,
The hippopotamus blocked the door.
I found it interesting that this book's Noah included mythological critters like the unicorn and the griffin, though he only took one of each . . . so, that explains a lot.
I LOVE those bright colors and the bold graphics.
The "story" is basically a counting rhyme, adapted from a folk song or hymn, I guess?
The animals came in four by four,
The hippopotamus blocked the door.
I found it interesting that this book's Noah included mythological critters like the unicorn and the griffin, though he only took one of each . . . so, that explains a lot.
December 27, 2014
My mom had a copy of this book when I was growing up, although it was a library discard and I think it was missing a page or two. I came across this at my library recently, and thought I would reread it. I love, love, LOVE the illustrations, and I think it was very well put together, especially considering the limited printing abilities they had in 1966 (which was when my copy was published). I know they couldn't print a lot of colors, so I like how the paper of the pages were different colors and the illustrations were all done in black woodcuts (does this make sense? Hopefully). Anyway, I found it very striking and beautiful. Also, I think this would be good for kids, because they could count the animals.
September 2, 2015
Well, don't take this as anything accurately portraying the story of Noah from the Bible. Instead keep in mind this is an illustration of the old folksong and you've got the idea. I do love the unicorn and basilisk...wishing Noah had thought to pack them for the trip. Perhaps the problem was he only had one of each...?
The woodcuts give a beautiful feel to the story. This was a pleasure to look at and read (sing).
The woodcuts give a beautiful feel to the story. This was a pleasure to look at and read (sing).
October 4, 2017
This song is a lot of fun to sing, and the illustrations in this book are a great first introduction to the Noah's Ark story. The black woodcut figures against solid bright color backgrounds make this book very eye-catching, and some silly elements, such as rollerskates, are sure to please preschool readers.
May 6, 2018
I love Ed Emberley's illustrations so much, and have done as far back as I can remember. Surprise bonus: reading this book I also realized I know this song! Not sure where I picked it up, maybe at Vacation Bible School or maybe it was just in one of the songbooks I obsessively perused as a child.
January 15, 2020
Woodcuts are nice, but not crazy about the shifting colors. Just enough of a note at the end.
November 6, 2016
I think that this book is visually beautiful. The connection to African-American tradition is obvious from the first page turn. The pages are brightly, yet deeply colored. The actual illustrations are in black. They aren't very detailed but they work perfectly. My favorite part of illustration is the way the looming clouds grow through the pages. I only knew of the Big Green Monster book by illustrator Ed Emberley. This is very unlike the illustrations in that book.
I was very shocked to find that this book is religiously tied. That shock happened with the first page turn since neither the title nor cover indicated that this book was based on the story of Noah's arc. Upon finishing the book, we find out that the book is nearly identical to an African-American song about Noah's ark. The music sheet is on the last few pages, there are even instructions on how to sing it.
I think this is a cute book but it could not be used in a classroom. The religious connection is too strong for public schools. This could easily be used in a religious school for young students. A Sunday school would work as well. This book provides a co-curricular connection to music that should also be taken advantage of.
I was very shocked to find that this book is religiously tied. That shock happened with the first page turn since neither the title nor cover indicated that this book was based on the story of Noah's arc. Upon finishing the book, we find out that the book is nearly identical to an African-American song about Noah's ark. The music sheet is on the last few pages, there are even instructions on how to sing it.
I think this is a cute book but it could not be used in a classroom. The religious connection is too strong for public schools. This could easily be used in a religious school for young students. A Sunday school would work as well. This book provides a co-curricular connection to music that should also be taken advantage of.
October 19, 2016
1. Book summary, in your own words (3 pts)
One Wide River to Cross is a Caldecott Medal book. It is a counting story about Noah and the Ark. It has beautiful pictures and it fun to read.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This would be a good book for students in PreK-1st grade. It is very easy to read and very cute.
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
I would use this book for the reading portion of my class. I would also use it as a way to teach counting.
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
Students interested in animals, history, and/or religion would like this book.
5. Small group use (literature circles) (1 pt)
I would not use this book for small groups.
6. Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
I probably would not read this book aloud to the class either. I would rather use it as a book for the reading bookshelf.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
The Story of Paul Bunyan by Barbara Emberley
The Wing on a Flea by Ed Emberley
Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley
8. Multimedia connections (audio books, movie) available (1 pt)
There is a song associated with this book.
One Wide River to Cross is a Caldecott Medal book. It is a counting story about Noah and the Ark. It has beautiful pictures and it fun to read.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This would be a good book for students in PreK-1st grade. It is very easy to read and very cute.
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
I would use this book for the reading portion of my class. I would also use it as a way to teach counting.
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
Students interested in animals, history, and/or religion would like this book.
5. Small group use (literature circles) (1 pt)
I would not use this book for small groups.
6. Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
I probably would not read this book aloud to the class either. I would rather use it as a book for the reading bookshelf.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
The Story of Paul Bunyan by Barbara Emberley
The Wing on a Flea by Ed Emberley
Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley
8. Multimedia connections (audio books, movie) available (1 pt)
There is a song associated with this book.
April 26, 2018
This is a Caldecott Honor book. It is an adaption on an African-American spiritual song. This book describes the process of getting the animals onto Noah's Ark. It is also a counting book, as it describes how many animals came in each new round. It doesn't directly count, though. After each number is an extra sentence describing what the animals did. For example, "The animals came in eight by eight, some came in by roller skate."
I gave this book three stars. I expected it to be more of a description about Noah's Ark, but it is an interesting variation. It has a nice rhythm as you read it. Not only does it have rhythm, but it also repeats. This will allow kids to catch on and read some parts with you. The illustrations are the best part about this book. Although they aren't as detailed as some Caldecott winners, they have a balance of detail and simplicity that draws the reader in.
I gave this book three stars. I expected it to be more of a description about Noah's Ark, but it is an interesting variation. It has a nice rhythm as you read it. Not only does it have rhythm, but it also repeats. This will allow kids to catch on and read some parts with you. The illustrations are the best part about this book. Although they aren't as detailed as some Caldecott winners, they have a balance of detail and simplicity that draws the reader in.
November 13, 2013
I totally think this book should've won the Caldecott Award in 1967, instead of a Caldecott Honor. Of course, I'm a bit biased because I think "Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine" is one of the worst children's books ever written/illustrated. This book was way better illustrated, with beautiful whimsical woodcuts and pages in bright happy colors. The story is based off an African-American spiritual on Noah's Ark, and the song is included with music in the back of the book. Recommended for ages 2-7, 4 stars.
December 17, 2012
This old folk song loosely recounts the filling of Noah's Ark with animals starting with the animals that "came one by one" and coming to a conclusion with "ten by ten." With wit and exuberance in the verse ("some came in by roller skate") and illlustrations, Ed Emberley's woodcuts are tremendous, although the visual depiction imaginatively wanders from the biblical narrative to include a basilisk, unicorn, manticore and griffin.
May 12, 2012
Woodcut illustrations tell the story of Noah and his ark. Each page has a brightly colored background and counts the animals as they board the boat up to sets of ten. Good read aloud. Back matter includes music and lyrics. Must see.
May 13, 2014
This book was very cute, is told in song, with music in the back of the book. Great to introduce counting, and all of the pages are very colorful. It's good for phonological awareness and vocabulary. I'd recommend it for ages 2-5.
February 26, 2016
This choice is a good book for those who want to share the experience of Noah and his ark with children. Rhyming is present throughout, making it flow and easier to read. Young children will enjoy the colors and interesting patterned pictures of the animals.
October 10, 2017
Caldecott Honor picture book from 1967. Well books and taste have come a long way. This is a counting book based on a song about Noah's Ark. The words are boring. The art is likewise. Not a bad book, just not very interesting.
January 31, 2013
I liked the animals that went on the ark 1 by 1 - like the unicorn - that's why they are not around anymore. Very clever.
July 22, 2017
I'm not familiar with this song buy the illustrations looked great... and they certainly were!
February 17, 2018
Cute book. I love the woodblock illustrations.
March 23, 2023
I HATE that the illustrations in this book are pretty... While researching "vintage" (prior to 2000) Caldecott books I came across a paperback edition of this book. This book was written in 1966 and Ed Emberly, the illustrator, is acknowledged on the back cover with this quote: "Award-winning author Ed Emberley brings his artistry and humor to this rollicking picture-book adaptation of the traditional African-American spiritual". Personally, when I read the book, I didn't see his "humor" represented nor do I agree that this book expresses "the traditional African-American spiritual". I found this book to be too similar to the story of Noah's Ark and because I want to keep religious content out of my classroom I won't be including it. Today, the book is marketed as being a good book to help children learn the numerals 1-10. I personally believe there are better books available today that can achieve the same result and have a more equitable place in the classroom.
I would give this book zero stars if possible.
I would give this book zero stars if possible.
November 13, 2017
• 1967 Caldecott Honor Book •
This is a really visually striking book. I love that each page is a different colored piece of paper and that the paper has texture (at least in the 1966 version I read). The woodcuts are gorgeous. I’ve never heard this song, and from what I could gather, Barbara Emberley adapted this from an old folk song. Stunning work.
Materials used: woodcuts
Typeface used: unlisted
This is a really visually striking book. I love that each page is a different colored piece of paper and that the paper has texture (at least in the 1966 version I read). The woodcuts are gorgeous. I’ve never heard this song, and from what I could gather, Barbara Emberley adapted this from an old folk song. Stunning work.
Materials used: woodcuts
Typeface used: unlisted
March 10, 2026
Classic Emberley illustration based on the folk song shows intricately designed silhouettes and colorful graphic backgrounds. The numeric refrain leads to more and more animals covering the pages. Sheet music included in the notes and back matter. If you loved Ed Emberley's how to draw animals books, the the printmaking in this book is a must-have.
Read
July 17, 2020This book illustrates the lyrics to a Sunday school song. I picked this up for those lovely illustrations.
And it happens to fit a prompt for my reading challenge.
#popsugarreadingchallenge
Prompt: book with an upside down image on the cover
And it happens to fit a prompt for my reading challenge.
#popsugarreadingchallenge
Prompt: book with an upside down image on the cover
August 25, 2022
As a goofy song/story based loosely on the Noah's Ark Bible story, this is entertaining as long as you don't take it too seriously. If you are looking for something solidly biblically-based, this is not the book you want.
November 12, 2022
Story is fine, nothing amazing. It's Noah's Arch...*shrug* It's really about the artwork for me. Beautiful woodblock prints.
April 25, 2023
A picture book version of the old folk song "One Wide River to Cross" about Noah's ark. It is accompanied by woodcut illustrations. The illustrations are stunning.
November 4, 2023
Beautiful woodcuts. Just beautiful. Sometimes we treat picture books like art books and this was one of those.
August 31, 2024
Very clever and colorful book based on Noah gathering the animals for the ark. Based on an African American folk song.
July 10, 2013
1967 Caldecott Honor
Lots, of animals, numbers, and colors, and I really liked the informational text at the end. (Noah's ark)
*This would be a great gift (if you could find it) for a Noah's ark-themed baby shower/birthday.
Lots, of animals, numbers, and colors, and I really liked the informational text at the end. (Noah's ark)
*This would be a great gift (if you could find it) for a Noah's ark-themed baby shower/birthday.
April 1, 2015
Based on a traditional song, this picture book has Noah and the animals loading up the ark.
This song was definitely for the fun counting aspect and not concerned about sticking to the original Bible story. It's catchy, but a bit ridiculous. There are better Noah's ark books out there.
This song was definitely for the fun counting aspect and not concerned about sticking to the original Bible story. It's catchy, but a bit ridiculous. There are better Noah's ark books out there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews