Book #3 Traditional Literature

Book Review #3-Traditional Literature

THE LION AND THE MOUSE
BY JERRY PINKNEY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pinkney, Jerry. 2009 THE LION AND THE MOUSE. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316013567

PLOT SUMMARY

In this classic tale of The Lion and the Mouse, Pinkney does an amazing job retelling this story through fine illustrations.  An unfortunate mouse accidentally

stumbles into a lion, luckily for the mouse he is released by the lion without causing him any harm.  The mouse runs to her hole to be with her babies when she hears a loud roar.  The roar is from the lion who was trapped in a net, a net the hunters had set up in the jungle.  The mouse returns to offer the lion assistance, she chews and chews through the net until the lion is free.  After the lion has been set free they both stare into each others eyes offering each other their friendship.  Two very different creatures have found friendship in each other. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Narrative is not necessary in this classic tale, the illustrations and the occasional animal sound are sufficient to tell a wonderful story.  The exquisite illustrations keep the reader engaged, Pinkney did an amazing job expressing the feelings of the characters with illustrations only.  The eyes of the lion and the mouse show the reader how sincere their feelings are, their expressions on their faces are enough to show the reader the true character and personality of the lion and the mouse.  The moral of the story is also very clear even in the youngest of the readers.

Pinkney's uses vivid detail and a wide range of appropriate colors to portray the setting in the African Plain. The colors he uses are not bright and do not need to be, the colors are just perfect enough to tell a unique story about a lion and a mouse in the jungle. His artistic style brings the characters in the story to life.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal Winner 2010

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The ambiguity that results from the lack of words in this version allows for slower, subtle, and ultimately more satisfying read. Moments of humor and affection complement the drama."

Starred review in BOOKLIST: "Pinkney's soft, multihued strokes make everything in the jungle seem alive..."

CONNECTIONS

*This book can lead to discussions about the importance of friendship and helping others in time of need.

*It encourages kindness and the understanding that everyone no matter their size can be a helpful.

*Other books by this amazing author:

THE LITTLE RED HEN. ISBN 9780803729353

AESOP'S FABLES. ISBN 9781587170003

PUSS IN BOOTS. ISBN 9780803716421