The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

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Bibliography 

Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion And The Mouse. London: Walker, 2011. ISBN 0316013560 

Plot Summary 

This story begins with a small mouse trying to escape the wrath of a hungry owl. The mouse runs and finds shelter on top of a lion. The lion notices the mouse. He debates on whether to release or eat her. The lion decides to show some compassion and let go of the mouse. The lion goes about his normal day not knowing poachers have set traps. The lion stumbles into one of the nets and gets caught. His roars and pleas are heard by the mouse. Remembering the good deed the lion had done the small mouse goes to his rescue. The mouse nibbles through the ropes and sets the lion free. The two return to their families, but they gain a friendship through unlikely events. 

Critical Analysis 

This fable follows how a small mouse and a mighty lion create an unlikely friendship. The lion shows an act of kindness and is rewarded with another act of the same kind. In this wordless award winning picture book Pinkney tells his version of The Lion and the Mouse through exquisite illustrations. The illustrations are so realistic for a children’s books. All kinds of hues are displayed with every turn of a page. Pictures show a beautiful and wonderful display of the African Serengeti filled with animals that are found there. The emotions are clear throughout the story with the exception of a few words that represent animal sounds. The story is very easy to follow and interpreting was not difficult, but an enjoyment to decipher the great work of Pinkney. The reader is captured automatically by the details of this book. The book does a great job at displaying emotions from despair, laughter, helplessness, happiness, and so much more that any reader would appreciate. 

Review Excerpts 

  • GOODREADS REVIEW "In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted."
  • KIRKUS REVIEW "A nearly wordless exploration of Aesop’s fable of symbiotic mercy that is nothing short of masterful."
  • Caldecott Medal (2010)
  • Indies Choice Book Award for New Picture Book (2010)
  • Cybils Award Nominee for Fiction Picture Books (2009)
  • Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor for Picture Book (2010)
Connections 

This a great story that demonstrates friendship and courage. Great book showing children that friendship comes in all forms and unlikely situations. While it could be a lesson that one should not underestimate someone. Books with similar message: 

Emberley, Rebecca. Chicken Little. ISBN 1596434643
Rathmann, Peggy. Good Night, Gorilla. ISBN 0399230033

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