BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pinkney, Jerry. 2009. The Lion & The Mouse. Singapore. New York, New York. Little Brown and Company: ISBN
9780316013567
PLOT
SUMMARY
This story begins with a lone mouse trying to escape
the clutches of the owl. He unknowingly scampers onto the back of a lion. He is
quickly snatched up in the lion’s great paw. The lion decides to let the little
mouse go, and the mouse reunites with his family. While roaming the grasslands,
the lion is trapped by hunters. Following his loud roars, the mouse finds the
helpless lion and quickly lends a hand, helping him escape.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
The two characters have definite differences. The lion
is seen as the king of the jungle, while the mouse is often viewed as weak.
This book relies solely on the illustrations, since there isn’t any narration.
The only words are the sounds of the two main characters. “GRRR,” from the lion
and “SQUEAK” from the mouse. While the original tale has illustrations, the
story is told through the text. The illustrations are more detailed since they
are the source of important plot elements, such as the conflict and resolution.
The overall theme is a universal one. Do unto others
as you would have done unto you, as shown when the mouse repays the lion’s
kindness by chewing through the ropes.
This is a great version for young readers that are
still learning to read. It can also be appreciated by older readers.
REVIEW
EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Medal winner
Starred
review in School Library Journal: “Pinkney’s
luminous art, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, suggests a natural
harmony…”
CONNECTIONS
*Discuss
how pictures can tell stories, focusing on details in the illustrations.
Other
stories without words:
Riphagen,
Loes. Animals Home Alone. ISBN
9781934734551
Faller,
Regis. Adventures of Polo. ISBN
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