NOAH'S ARK

The title page of this beautifully illustrated edition of the story of Noah (as it appears in the Revised English Bible) states that Brent has ``illuminated'' the text, a fair description of her meticulous, ornamental work. Using elaborate patterns and borders, decorative motifs based on fabrics, tiles, or plants, stylized humans, and fairly realistic beasts, she assembles decorative full-page illustrations and delicate vignettes to adorn the facing pages of text, all gilded in the medieval tradition. The result may hold more charm for adults than for children, who like a bit more action in their pictorial narration. Still, the sheer beauty of these illuminations is sure to draw readers of all ages. (Nonfiction. 3+)