THE LION AND THE MOUSE by Jerry Pinkney

Bibliography: 

Pinkney, Jerry. 2009. THE LION AND THE MOUSE.  New York, NY:  Little Brown Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 9780316013567

Plot Summary: 

Aesop’s fable The Lion and the Mouse is retold beautifully in this wordless picture book by Jerry Pinkney.  A life is spared and the good-deed is repaid by an act of bravery and kindness.  The illustrations are captivating to the reader and allow the mind to explore and imagine what is occurring within each page.  

Critical Analysis: 

The author and illustrator’s artwork retell this fable beautifully in this wordless book.  Great detail is given to every page as Pinkney uses pencil, watercolors, and colored pencils to bring this tale to life in a very vivid way.  The imagery allows the reader to imagine they are in the setting of Africa.  Emotions can clearly be seen and felt from each illustration.  A powerful message of kindness to others and friendship are lessons learned from the viewing of this book.    

Reviews: 

·        Caldecott Medal Winner 2010

·        New York Times – Nov. 5, 2009 – by Roger Sutton:  “The art of Jerry Pinkney’s new picture book is commanding enough to do without the author’s name or even the title on the front cover.”

·        The Washington Post – Sept. 20, 2009 – “Even before the book falls open, the story has begun!”

Connections:  Age Level:  1 and up

·        Beginning of the school year to build classroom unity and teach “Treat others as you would have others treat you!”

·        With older children who know about schema and inferring, about the (1) setting and (2) characters’ thoughts and/or feelings.

·        Predicting during and after reading about what will happen next.

·        Research and read expository books about Africa and African animals.

·        Art – Paintings inspired by illustrations

·        Language Arts – Create a drama by adding dialogue to the pictures seen throughout the book.  Then allow students to perform the drama they created.