Book Review - The Lion and The Mouse

1. Bibliography
Pinkney, Jerry. 2009. The Lion and the Mouse. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 978-0-329-77131-7.
2. Plot Summary 
 One night a mouse was being hunted by an owl.  He ran away quickly but was caught by a lion.  But the lion releases the mouse and the mouse is able to repay the lion in his time of need.  
3. Critical Analysis
This almost wordless book uses its remarkable illustrations to tell this traditional tale.  The only words used are onomatopoeia which simply enhance the magnificent paintings. Its presentation is ideal for young children, but is enjoyable for all ages. Being familiar with the story is helpful, but not necessary to understand and enjoy the remarkable events told.  The close-up illustrations humanize the animal characters which draw the reader in to a deep understanding of the event shared. Used to teach kindness, empathy, compassion, and repaying a good deed with another, this tale has great value in children's literature. 
Even the cover is titleless, covered simply with an intricate illustration of a lion's face. The illustrations are colorful watercolor paintings that have remarkable detail.  With such detail, words are not needed for the reader to have a complete understanding of the story. 
4. Review Excerpts
2010 Caldecott Medal of Honor
2010 Horn Book Starred "Pinkney encourages closer exploration of the pleasing detail with which he amplifies it"
5. Connections
Reading - use a different version of the same story and create a Venn Diagram comparing/contrasting the two.
Reading - sequencing - allow students to act out the events from the story.
Writing - have students write the story that could accompany each page.