The Lion and the Mouse

by: Jerry Pinkney

Published by: Hachette Book Group

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

We are all familiar with Aesop’s fables from our school days. The Lion and the Mouse is a picture book retelling this classic tale with pictures, and not with words. To recap the tale in case it’s been awhile since your school days, the mouse is trying to escape an owl when it happens to run up on a lion’s back. The lion captures it, then makes the decision to let the mouse live.

When the lion is later captured in a net, the mouse goes to his rescue, chewing up the ropes so the lion can escape. The story offers an important lesson about friendship,

The pictures are beautifully done, and engaging, drawing the child into the story. I had my four-year-old tell the story to me, and she could easily tell me exactly what was happening in each scene. This book is excellent for pre-readers as well as younger elementary school students to be able to feel accomplishment in “reading” a story all by themselves.

This classic tale would make a wonderful gift to give to your favorite young child. Boys and girls alike will love the pictures by this talented artist, and will adults will enjoy giving this beautifully done hardcover book as a gift—either for the upcoming holidays or for no reason at all.

Pick up a copy for your favorite child today.

Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful “re-telling” of this special fable.