Prayers from the Ark and The Creatures' Choir

The finest book of poems I have ever read. What more can I say? Beautifully translated.

This book is funny and heart breaking. It captures something in nature that most of us never take the time to notice. Do creatures comune with God? Why not? Who are we humans to think that only we can speak to our Maker. Even if you are not an "animal lover" this book has something for you.

PRAYERS FROM THE ARK was written and published first, and the poems are in the form of prayers. THE CREATURES' CHOIR was written quite a few years later and these last poems are more like letters to God, where the animals refer to their daily problems. The author did not write sentimental verse. The poems of the animals seem to radiate with truth.I was first introduced to PRAYERS FROM THE ARK in 1977 by my sister, Susan who lent me her book. Since that time, I've purchased two copies myself, and have given several as gifts. The original book was written in French by Carmen Bernos De Gasztold, and published in 1947. The famous author, Rumer Godden discovered the work and was so impressed with the poems that she translated them into English. There are over fifty beautiful poems in this book where each animal speaks to God in his or her own voice revealing their individual traits and personalities. The Dove--"The Ark waits, Lord; it has endured. Let me carry it a sprig of hope and joy."The Dog--"No one but You and I understands what faithfulness is." The Ladybird-- "Thank You for having made me so that no one is afraid of me." This is a charming book for an adult to read and a wonderful way for a child to learn that every creatures' life has dignity and purpose.

If they could talk, what would God's "other creatures" say? Read this book and find out. The author's imagined, unspoken expressions of as yet unrecognized intelligence in the animal and insect world will instill new sensitivity in those who previously took these fellow beings all too much for granted. Read this and realize that the earth belongs to them as much as to us. Hear their voices and understand their world. A must for every child - for every adult.

This was a lovely, gentle, book for all ages. It's something to read to children as soon as they are able to listen. They'll absorb lovely lessons.