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

I found this story based on the biblical story of Noah's Ark to be inventive, inspiring, and fun! The author has managed to keep the true elements of the original story in place while imagining how God would have provided for Noah, his family and the animals. Whether the imagined parts are true or not (remember this is a work of fiction), I found the story to be God honoring and inspiring and truly a pleasure to read. The story covers not only the building of the ark, animals entering the ark, and lots of rain, but it is a story about friendship, community, caring for one another, having courage, and seeking divine wisdom for the journey. It is a worthy read for your late elementary/middle schooler and adults too!

This was a real gem. It’s a story of the Ark told from the animals point of view and it is filled with biblical truths, things that children can hold onto and understand. I was recommended this book by another grandmother who told me that she and her granddaughter were reading this book together and then discussing it. I bought it for my granddaughter and she couldn’t put it down, finishing it in 5 days. I am so glad that this is a series because my granddaughter was sad when it came to the end, she didn’t want to loose the characters. My granddaughter is in the 3rd grade and an avid reader. It held her interest and was she not daunted by the 440 page length. If your child is not up to reading it by themselves, it would be a great book to read orally them.

I found this book many years ago right after it 1st came out. My boys were so little. They loved the series and it was so hard to wait for the next one to come out. Now that my boys are older they have gone on to read these themselves. Such rich history and wholesome fiction. I have recommended this book to all our friends and even people I have just met who are looking for great reads. Thank you Jenny for such a great series.

When I first found out about this author, I wanted to start with book one. I had to order it online and wait for it to come in the mail. It was a well used loved copy. I have recommended this series to several homeschool parents. You will fall in love with Max, Al, Liz and Kate. Each chapter you will recall a hint or a clue that helps you solve the mystery of History as you read along.

I have read over a hundred books and over all this is my favorite book series. I love it because it is full of comedy, adventure, and sadness but over all good wins in the end. My most favorite characters are Max, AI, Liz,and Kate. I am already to book three and going on to book four when it arrives. We also purchased the audio of book one to listen to at night! I'd like to thank Ms.Cote for writing these amazing books! - Reviewed by: A 11 yr old boy

My kids (ages 5, 7 and 9) loved this book! We have all told several friends they must read it. I read it aloud to them using all sorts of voices the best I could which I’m sure helped them to love it more. We pulled out a map several times to see where the animals were coming from. Bonus for homeschool geography! The kids can’t wait to get the second book and start it. They’re hooked on the series!

The Ark, the Reed, & the Fire Cloud is a book written by Jenny L. Cote. She takes stories from the Bible and brings imaginations alive with the adventure of the main characters and their mates: two dogs, Max and Kate, and two cats, Liz and Al. They all embark separately on a journey of Faith, following the fire cloud after they all hear the Maker calling to them. They soon meet each other and together forge a friendship that is inseparable. They go through many countries and past many waters following the cloud, but also discover that they are not the only ones. Liz, the expertise on many things, notices that two animals from all over the world have been called, and struggles with her faith of the impossible. Meanwhile Max has a fear of water, and when they reach their final destination he discovers it is an Ark. After all of the animals are finally loaded, flood waters rise and the rains come down for forty days and forty nights. During the time of waiting to reach dry ground, Max has been declared a hero, and when things get out of hand Liz suspects one of Max’s friends, and in discovering this she could end her friendship with Max. Will Max be able to understand the importance of what is happening, or will he ignore the evidence?In the end the main characters learn to not be prideful and to trust God, not trying to logically solve everything. Max learned to conquer his fears and not be prideful, like the waters from the flood, and to give the glory to God instead of himself, while God showed Liz how all things are possible with Him. One of my favorite Bible stories is Noah's Ark, so I was excited to read this book. Jenny L Cote writes in a very unique setting, many of which are not used a lot. she brings her characters alive and the details make you feel as if you are a part of the story. For example, in one scene she shows how when the animals step into their stalls, the animals’ natural habitat appears with everything they need, from waterfalls and rain forests, to deserts and ice. To say that I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I loved this book! I would definitely suggest this book for all ages, and readers who love the Bible, animals, and imagination.

My nine-year-old loved it. I thought it was okay. Super long and I always get a little concerned when authors fictionaluze biblical stories to some degree. I know they don't mean any harm by making up storylines, it just gives me pause. But we will continue to read the series.

Love this series. My kids can't wait for story time each evening!

Whilst based on the story of Noah, this book takes you 'behind' the scenes putting flesh on the skeleton of what we know happened in the Bible. Very well done and kept my daughter (aged 10) captivated despite the size / length of the book!