Module 2 – Book Review 3
Review of Jerry Pinkney’s THE LION AND THE MOUSE
*This review was written for a course through Sam Houston State University.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pinkney, Jerry. (2009). The Lion and the Mouse. Little Brown and Company. ISBN: 9780316013567
2. SUMMARY
Pinkney’s illustrated retelling of Aesop’s fable “The Lion and the Mouse” does an incredible job of telling the story of a mighty lion and his unlikely friendship with a mouse. The tale happens when the mouse accidentally wakes the lion, who is quite angry and is captured. However, the lion lets the mouse go, who is grateful and promises to help the lion when he needs it in the future. The lion eventually needs help when he finds himself trapped in a poacher’s net. The mouse comes to help by gnawing through the ropes of the net to free the lion. The lion sees that even the smallest of animals can help and recognizes the importance of kindness and friendship.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jerry Pinkney tells the story of Aesop's fable using visual storytelling with beautiful illustrations of a lion and a mouse. The story's themes include how power dynamics can work, but it also shows emotional depth in the story through the compassion of the lion and the resourcefulness and loyalty of the mouse. The full-page illustrations depict a setting in the savanna where the detailed views of the lion and mouse reveal their story. The plot reveals the connection between having strength like the lion, and still being vulnerable, such as when the lion is caught, only for the unlikely small mouse to save him. This also demonstrates how even the smallest individuals can have a mighty impact. This book teaches readers about friendship and how everyone is important and can make an impact.
Once again, I was able to share the experience of reading this beautifully illustrated book with my two young sons, a 7-year-old and a soon to be 4-year-old. This book, like several others in this module, has a great deal of nostalgia for me as my own childhood was filled with stories read to me by my own father from a collection of Aesop’s Fables. This was an emotional experience sharing one of my favorite fables and I was able to tell my children a summary of the fable before we opened the book. The experience of reading the story was different as my oldest son used context clues and the pictures to try and retell the story the first time, rather than reading it. It was a fun and unique experience sharing and discussing one of my favorite fables with my boys.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2010
Caldecott Medal, 2010
Booklist starred (July 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 21))
The intricate lion’s face that crowds the cover of Pinkney’s latest folktale adaptation is unaccompanied by any title or credits, and that is entirely appropriate—there are no words inside, either. Through illustration alone Pinkney relates the well-known Aesop fable of the mouse who is captured by a lion, only to be unexpectedly released.
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 2010)
By retelling Aesop's fable entirely in his signature pencil and watercolor art, Pinkney encourages closer exploration of the pleasing detail with which he amplifies it.
Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2009)
By retelling Aesop's fable entirely in his signature pencil and watercolor art, Pinkney encourages closer exploration of the pleasing detail with which he amplifies it...On every page, this beautiful book suggests even more than it tells about its real setting, and about that fabulous world where such bargains are made and such rescues may happen.
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2009)
A nearly wordless exploration of Aesop's fable of symbiotic mercy that is nothing short of masterful...Pinkney successfully blends anthropomorphism and realism, depicting Lion's massive paws and Mouse's pink inner ears along with expressions encompassing the quizzical, hapless and nearly smiling.
Publishers Weekly (July 27, 2009)
Other than some squeaks, hoots and one enormous roar, Pinkney's (Little Red Riding Hood) interpretation of Aesop's fable is wordless-as is its striking cover, which features only a head-on portrait of the lion's face. Pinkney has no need for words; his art speaks eloquently for itself.
School Library Journal (April 1, 2011)
The African Serengeti forms the backdrop for a lion that captures a rodent and-for reasons left for readers to ponder-releases it. His decision is rewarded, and the value of even the smallest creature is recognized in this stunning Caldecott winner rendered in expressive watercolors.
5. CONNECTIONS
Related Books - Other books for children to make with themes of kindness and the value of those who are small or underestimated and wordless picture books that tell interesting stories
DePaola, Tomie. PANCAKES FOR BREAKFAST. ISBN 9781328710604
Pinkney, Jerry. THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE. ISBN 978-0316183567
Enrichment Activities -
Impact of kindness – Discuss how small acts of kindness can have good outcomes. How did the lion’s decision to let the mouse go influence the story?
Kindness coupons – After talking about the themes in the story have students create kindness coupons to give others
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