NOAH'S ARK

A trivialization—with a European flavor—of the familiar story. The animals here bicker like fractious children, doubting and importuning wise Noah (``There's not enough room,'' whines a giraffe) but eventually realizing that they should be grateful when he points out that ``if I had not taken you into this ark you would all have drowned.'' The result is harmless, and many will find it amusing; the best feature here is the luminous, beautifully structured art, with the toy-like animals highlighted in ethereal white. Not a first purchase, but an acceptable addition. (Picture book. 4-8)