A Ship in a Storm on the Way to Tarshish

A Ship in a Storm on the Way to Tarshish by Norma Farber is a concise, rhyming retelling of the biblical story of Jonah and the whale. The narrative follows Jonah's initial reluctance to follow divine instruction, his ill-fated sea voyage, his time inside the great fish, and his eventual fulfillment of his mission. The book handles the sensitive topic of divine command and consequence in a gentle, metaphorical way, focusing on the moral arc of repentance and forgiveness rather than theological specifics. The emotional journey moves from initial defiance and fear to eventual understanding and hope. This book is particularly suited for children aged 4-11 who are being introduced to biblical stories or discussing concepts of obedience, making mistakes, and receiving second chances. A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with the idea of consequences for their actions, or when seeking a gentle introduction to faith-based parables. The rhyming structure makes it an engaging read-aloud for younger children, while older elementary students can read it independently and reflect on the deeper themes. Its verse format distinguishes it from more prose-heavy retellings, offering a lyrical approach to a classic tale.