The Lion & the Mouse
by Jerry Pinkney
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Book Reviews of The Lion & the Mouse
Book Review: What a Delight! (Pinkney's Lion and the Mouse told with pictures)
Summary: 5 Stars
I just read... no, make that viewed Jerry Pinkney's new book with my kids, and it is most wonderful. Wordless -- or nearly so, there are a few words like 'putt' and 'squeak'-- it retells the classic story of the "Lion and the Mouse" using fabulously detailed artwork done in watercolors and colored pencil.
The book itself is large and title-less. On the front is the beautiful golden lion, while on the back is the adorable (and heroic) little mouse. The author follows the traditional story very closely, only adding one additional detail for both of these creatures of the savanna. He gives them families. The mouse is a mama of a passel of little squeaks, and the lion is a daddy.
Talking Points:::
This is a gorgeous book. The light yellow tinted pages perfectly compliment the large, detailed drawings which are done in browns and golden hues. Exquisitely drawn, the images lie on the spectrum somewhere between realism and impressionism. The lion's eyes are so expressive. We all laughed at the face he made when holding the little mouse.
Without words, the book allows adults and children to choose their own vocabulary. The ultimate read aloud.
One thing you might consider is that artwork is so detailed that babies and even some toddlers might not like it. Which is to say that it's the opposite of the bright, simple art that you see in books dedicated to these youngsters. The pages essentially being 'too busy' for little eyes.
Jerry Pinkney's "Lion and the Mouse" would make a wonderful gift for preschoolers on up to Tweeners. (#1039)
Pam T~
mom and reviewer at BooksForKids-reviews
Book Review: Acts of Kindness
Summary: 5 Stars
The Lion and The Mouse
A Classic Fable
The Caldecott Medal - 2010
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
The Lion and The Mouse is a wonderfully illustrated children's book and a classic fable. The illustrations are breathtaking. Every sketch made by Jerry Pinkney creates emotion while still having real life looking animals. Every page you turn to will capture your mind because of the detailed images. When you look into the animals eyes it fills as if you were feeling their emotion. The pages are not filled with words to distract you from the images. Actually the books only words are the animal's sreeeeecchhhiing noises. For example, in the dark night filled with a full moon and a terrified mouse the words are, "Who, who, whoooo!" To make you believe there is an owl somewhere near. And on the next page with an owl swopping down to get a hold of a runaway mouse is "Screeeeech."
This book is perfect for all ages. Without many words throughout the book it gets the readers to analyze the detailed illustrations. Most people who look at the cover the first time might not be able to predict the ending. As I asked a group of young children to analyze the book before letting them look at the illustrations they totally got the ending wrong. A great way to teach kids, "Don't judge a book by its cover!"
- UTSA Student-Brittany
Book Review: Pictures are Worth 1,000 Words
Summary: 5 Stars
Jerry Pinkney's version of The Lion and the Mouse is such a creative take on the classic fable;creative in the idea that the reader is able to make the story their own. The book contains no actual words describing the events that are occurring but instead leaves it up to the pictures to do all the storytelling, which was my favorite aspect of the book! I love the idea that when children "read" this book, they are analyzing the pictures and then creating their own stories based on how they interpret the depictions. This is a great way for the reader to feel connected to the book, since their stories will relate to their own lives and experiences.
The message taught through the pictures are also appropriate for young readers. I also valued the themes the book communicated such as the ideas of friendship, different individuals having different strengths and weaknesses, and being helpful to one another.
When looking at the picture of the lion on the front cover, the details in the illustration are what sets this book apart from just an ordinary picture book. From the front cover to the back, the illustrations are of such great quality. The Lion and the Mouse is another must have in my future classroom! I can think of countless activities and lesson plans already, they practically write themselves!
Book Review: WHAT A LION! WHAT A MOUSE! WHAT AN ARTIST!
Summary: 5 Stars
This particular Aesop fable is familiar to most - the story of a wee, insignificant mouse who happens to disturb a lion. Well, of course, the little mouse is a mere tidbit for the lion. Nonetheless, this magnificent king of the jungle decides to let the little fellow go.
Later, the lion is entrapped by poachers and the little mouse remembers the lion's kindness and manages to set the lion free. There is so much to be learned from this fable and there are many different interpretations of the story. This wordless version by noted artist Jerry Pinkney is remarkable not only for the beauty of Pinkney's work but because it allows the reader or in this case story teller to offer a different narrative each time the book is shown. One never tires of looking at the artist's stunning full page paintings, and young listeners don't tire of hearing the story over and over again, each time with a slightly different twist.
The mantel at Pinkney's home must sag with the numerous awards he has received - four New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, five Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Awards, etc. All so richly deserved. Since I've no trophy to offer I merely send thanks for one more beautifully illustrated book that will become a part of our permanent collection.
- Gail Cooke
Book Review: A Visual Feast
Summary: 5 Stars
Pencil, watercolor and colored pencils on paper...
That's all that was used to create the new children's book, The Lion & The Mouse. But those simple tools were being wielded in the hands of Jerry Pinkney and that, apparently, was enough. The magical combination of the artist and his skill, of tool and medium has resulted in a masterpiece of beauty and creativity.
Because this retelling of Aesop's fable is presented here with almost no words, it will challenge parents, teachers and others doing the "reading" to find words worthy of doing justice to Pinkney's art. It's just that gorgeous.
I've never encountered Pinkney's work previously and am now looking forward to discovering what other wonders have come from his hands and to collecting and sharing them.
And though it goes against all my beliefs as to how a book should be treated, I'm considering purchasing an additional copy solely to snag the dust jacket and have the cover art matted and framed. I simply can't take my eyes off it!
Highly recommended!