This morning I introduced the Queensland Synod to Louise Elliott’s picture book, “Noah’s Boat”. Set in Australia it has Noah resisting the voice in his dreams. Eventually he starts work on a boat for his family and animals. Over time native animals, birds, reptiles and insects make their way to his building site, telling him that they too have heard the voice. With their advice he learns to build an amazing environment onboard his boat.

I was first alerted to this book by Jan Whyte from Toombul Districts Uniting Church. This was an offering to the wider church from members of the Cafe Church there who believe in vision statements that have imagery rather than just words.

Louise Elliott, the author, is a clothes designer living in Cleveland, Queensland. She designs cloth dolls, rag dolls, rag toys, doll and animal kits, as well as writing and illustrating her own books. Originally from England, she came to Australia in 1983 and did a degree in anthropology and religion at Queensland University.

Noah’s Boat was published by Lothian in 2003 and retails at about $27.

See Louise’s web site at www.uq.net.au/~zzgellio