The Lion and the Mouse

Pinkney, J. (2009). The lion and the mouse. New York: Little, Brown, & Co. Books for Young Readers.

Genre: Fable
Format: Wordless Picture Book
Awards: 2009 Caldecott Winner
Recommended Age: 6-7

As even a 24 year-old, rarely has a wordless book ever been able to keep my full attention. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney, however, blew me away. The illustrations engulfed me in their details, the animals captured me with their realism, and the storyline was just as heart-wrenching as I remember it. The characters themselves---a dainty little mouse, a fierce yet gentle lion, a hungry owl, and some obscure poachers---are all introduced into the story through the use of sound effects, such as the "Grr" roared by the lion when he discovers the mouse on his back, and the "squeak" of the mouse when he discovers he's in danger, and the "putt putt putt" of the poachers' jeep as they set out a trap for the unsuspecting lion. Throughout the story, the animals' possess a wild emotion in their eyes, showing that although ruled by their instincts, at times even the most carnivorous of creatures can show compassion. In the end, we are left with our own imagination. The mouse has freed the lion, yes, but does a friendship remain? Or do they continue on their own merry way, never to see each other again, but always remembering the kindness that each had shown to the other?

This book I would really recommend to all ages, as the details in the pictures would keep even toddlers pointing and exploring the artwork, yet I think for a child to truly understand the concepts going on, the child would have to be at least six years old. This book should not just grace the shelves of the home, though. I strongly recommend it as a staple in school and public libraries, and hope that many more children will be able to experience the beauty of this classic story as Pinkney has captured it for many years to come.

Sutton, R. (2009, November 5). Grrrr!!! Oops! [A review of the book The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney]. The New York Times. Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/books/review/Sutton-t.html.

Mr. Sutton could not have better words to say about this story, for he writes his review virtually in awe of the work that Pinkney has done. He speaks of the illustrated animals, saying "His beasts are not humans in disguise; while both the lion and the mouse have emotions and intelligence in their eyes, they are animal in nature." He recaps the plot of the story to his readers, tells the moral which it is trying to communicate, and even gives a plethora of information on the background of the author, informing us that this gem is actually Pinkney's second work of the classic Aesop's fable The Lion and the Mouse. Sutton's review was informative, honest, and genuine, and I find myself agreeing with his every opinion of the book. This book is in no need of words at all, for his illustrations are commanding enough to stand alone. It is simple enough for a toddler to enjoy, and possesses enough beauty and emotion for a grandmother to enjoy. A good "read" through and through.