The Book of Jonah

Two-time Caldecott illustrator Peter Spier’s visual retelling of a favorite Bible story is back in print! In a tale full of action, adventure, and strife, Jonah is asked by God to tell the people of Nineveh to mend their wicked ways. Fleeing from this enormous task, Jonah sets sail and is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. What follows is Jonah’s journey to acceptance of God’s love and grace.

A reference section at the end of the book shares historical and geographical notes about the story, including details about the ship Jonah might have sailed on and a fascinating discussion of the ancient city of Nineveh and the location of its ruins in present-day Iraq.

Since his arrival in the United States from Holland in 1952, Peter Spier has become one of this country’s most popular and renowned illustrators. Mr. Spier received the Caldecott Medal for Noah’s Ark and a Caldecott Honor for The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night. People received the Christopher Award, was nominated for the American Book Award, and received the National Mass Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews for “outstanding contributions to better human relations and the cause of brotherhood.” Mr. Spier has illustrated over one hundred books, and his work can be found in museums and private collections across the country. In addition to illustrating and writing, he is an avid and celebrated builder of model ships. Mr. Spier and his wife live in Shoreham, New York.