We're All in the Same Boat

An iconographic-animated adaptation of author and rabbi Zachary Shapiro's 2009 picture book, illustrated by Jack E. Davis, We're All in the Same Boat carries a gentle message about patience, cooperation, and peace. Initially, the animals aboard Noah's ark figure they're going off on a vacation, and are excited and happy; but after a few weeks on the rainy seas, “the iguanas were impatient … the orangutans were obnoxious … the voles were vexed.” The whole alphabet is covered in similar fashion, while Davis, using strategically placed hair, jewelry, hats, and props, makes each animal couple distinctive and often funny besides. When Noah, who looks like a grandpa in his bathrobe, finally shouts out the title, the animals have a change of heart, as evidenced by the fact that “the camels were cooperative … the foxes made fables.” In a DVD bonus interview, Shapiro cites as an inspiration long family car rides during his youth that featured the telling of alphabet stories. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (G.A. DeCandido)