The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud (The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz, Book One) (Volume 1)

There are a few stories my kids will ask to read over and over. This is probably at #1 or #2 on that list! I didn't know what to expect when I started it, but it didn't even take a whole chapter for us all to be totally hooked. It makes it even more fun to try all the accents of the characters, and provides a LOT of laughs! It's an incredible perspective to read how animals may have perceived the journey to Noah's Ark, and really gets kids thinking about all sorts of aspects of the story. Not only that, but parts of the biblical tale are sprinkled in between chapters. The characters are relatable, heroic, hilarious, and all the things we want our kids to read about. I also love and appreciate the attention to detail Jenny uses, like how the Alps got their name ;) 3 years later, when my kids hear those mountains referenced, they comment on that part of the book. In both my and my kids' opinion, this book is on the list with other classic favorites like Tolkein and CS Lewis's works.

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

Jenny L. Cote captures the imagination of the juvenile reader in "The Ark, the Reed, & the Fire Cloud." Fantasy and allegory reminiscent of C. S. Lewis help the young reader understand God's provision and preservation through this fresh interpretation of the Biblical story of Noah's Ark. Max a young Scott Terrier and Liz a petite black cat from France follow the call of the Maker to "Come to Me." During their journey across Europe to the Middle East they become leaders of a menagerie of worldwide animals, arriving on time to meet Noah and board his Ark before the rains came. The story takes a unique twist after the landing of the ark. Cote comes through with an ominous plot to kill Noah, the discovery of a stowaway on the ark, and an encounter with Charlatan, the Evil One. Cotes has created a winner in "The Ark, the Reed, & the Fire Cloud." I am sure we will hear more of the magical adventure tales of Max and Liz in the near future.

TEN Star winner. Max, a Scottish terrier is what hooked me, from the start. And I love the book because its very much along the lines of a C S Lewis genre, and Biblical which was another thing that hooked me. The characters are wonderful and the lessons learned and challenges faced, holds your interest from the get go. I also like the print or font used, since its easy to read, and the cover illustration is charming.

My daughter and I loved this book. At 6 her attention span isn't fully developed, but this book was an exception. We laughed, and anticipated the next special time we would have together to read about Max and Liz. Can't say enough!