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The Lion & the Mouse (Traditional Literature)

 

(Photo: Goodreads.com)


1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pinkney, Jerry. 2009. THE LION & THE MOUSE. New York, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0316013567

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Pinkney’s interpretation of Aesop’s fable is wordless. The retelling of this childhood favorite is told through illustrations that begin with a mouse in danger that takes refuge on a lion’s back. Uncharacteristically, the large beast grabs and releases the tiny creature. As the lion moves on, he is captured by poachers. In an act to repay the debt, the mouse helps release the lion from his snare. At the end the family of mice and lions come together in peace.

 

3.       CRITICAL ANAYLSIS

This is a true picture book in the sense that the reader gets no words, only a few animal sounds like “Who Who Whoooo,” “Sereeeech,” and “GRRR.” The sounds gently enhance the story, while allowing the visuals- as well as the reader’s imagination- to drive the narrative. Even the cover does not have a title; instead, it features a portrait of a lion’s face while the back cover depicts the mouse.

With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes. The watercolor illustrations bring to life the scenery as well as the emotions displayed on the animals’ faces.

As is the intention of fables, THE LION & THE MOUSE is designed to teach a moral. Simply, the story can have the theme that the meek can trump the mighty. However, Pinkney’s story goes beyond the original meaning with his attention to detail to show the courage the mouse has and how the lion must rise above his beastly nature. This could be said as “No act of kindness of unrewarded” or “Even the strongest can sometimes use the help of others.” A theme of family is at the end of the story as the lion and the mouse bring their children into the mix.

4.       REVIEWS/ AWARDS

Caldecott Medal- winner 2010

5 Coretta Scott King Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Illustrators

* "Pinkney's luminous art, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, suggests a natural harmony... The ambiguity that results from the lack of words in this version allows for a slower, subtle, and ultimately more satisfying read. Moments of humor and affection complement the drama. A classic tale from a consummate artist."―School Library Journal, starred review

* "Pinkney enriches this classic tale of friendship with another universal theme - family - affectingly illustrated in several scenes as well as in the back endpapers... African species grace splendid panoramas that balance the many finely detailed, closeup images of the protagonists. Pinkney has no need for words; his art speaks eloquently for itself."―Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "A nearly wordless exploration of Aesop's fable of symbiotic mercy that is nothing short of masterful... Unimpeachable."―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

5.       CONNECTIONS

After reading the book, students can create their own words to tell the story or could create their own picture book (without words) that tell a story with a moral. This could be more elaborate or simple depending on the grade level.

Personal: This book is one of my favorites. Being able to use your own imagination is fun! Instead of reading the words on the page, you have to use the images to create the story. I opened each page with my children and had them tell me what they thought was happening. For being 2 and 5, they were able to understand the story without a problem. That goes to show how even if a child cannot read, books can have an impact on the way they look at the world and learn.

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