The Lion and the Mouse
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pinkney, Jerry. 2009. The
Lion and the Mouse. New York, NY: Little,
Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-316-01356-7
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this exquisitely illustrated book, award winner Jerry
Pinkney recounts the Aesop’s classic tale of The Lion and the Mouse. An unfortunate mouse accidentally happens
upon a lion. In a reversal of fortune,
the lion decides to release the mouse without causing any harm. When hunters later trap the lion with a large
net, the mouse returns to offer assistance.
The mouse chews through the net constraining the lion and subsequently
frees him from the hunters’ assault. After this encounter, the lion and the
mouse gaze at each other with an understanding that friendship can be found in
the most unlikely of places.
The plot is a reminder that the manner in which we treat
others is how we will be treated in return.
One should always be kind to others as you never know when you will
require their kindness.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In
addition to winning the Coretta Scott King award five times, and being awarded
five Caldecott Honor Medals, Pinkney was also nominated for the Hans Christian
Anderson Award. His classic illustration style is evident throughout the
book. His ability to capture expressions
in the faces of his animal characters allow him to depend solely on the
illustrations for storyline and plot development.
The
book lacks any substantial narrative, which allows the young reader to fully
engage in the illustrations. While some
may view the lack of text as a detraction, the illustrations have the full
ability to chronicle the story in its entirety.
The setting is clearly set in the jungle and the hunters’ intrusion in
the animals’ space is succinctly felt through the illustrations of the net
intended for ensnaring the lion.
While
it is unclear what prompted the lion to release the mouse at their first
confrontation, the mouse is able to return to its offspring. When the mouse returns to assist the lion,
the reader intuitively comprehends the character growth of the mouse and its
need to repay the lion’s earlier favor.
Once the lion is free and he is able to gaze into the mouse’s face,
there is an absolute acceptance for both that their actions contributed to
their continued freedom and safety.
The
moral of the story will be clear to even the youngest of readers. When kindness is sowed upon others, it will
be received in full at a later time.
Even the youngest of toddlers and preschoolers will understand that we
should be kind to others and they will, in turn, be kind to you.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Caldecott Medal Winner 2010
New York Times Best Illustrated Book 2009
ALA Notable Children Book 2010
Horn Books Awards Honor Book 2010
A School Library Top 100 Picture Books #37
Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner 2009
Starred Review in Kirkus Review: “A nearly wordless exploration of Aesop’s fable of symbiotic mercy that is nothing short of masterful.”
Starred Review
in Publishers Weekly: “Pinkney has no need for words; his art speaks eloquently
for itself.”
Starred Review
in School Library Journal: "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.”
Booklist: “Pinkney’s soft, multihued
strokes make everything in the jungle seem alive….”
5. CONNECTIONS
*A book that demonstrates
the importance of family and friendships, even in the most unlikely of places.
*Other books written
and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney:
Puss in Boots. ISBN 978-0-8037-1642-1
Aesop’s Fables.
ISBN 978-1-58717-000-3
The Little Red Hen.
ISBN 978-0-8037-2935-3