The Lion & The Mouse

Written & Illustrated by:  Jerry Pinkney

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers   Copyright Date: 2009 
ISBN: 978-0-316-01356-7

Genre: Traditional Literature       Format: Picture Book

Major Awards Received:

Caldecott Medal Winner, 2010
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 2009


Summary: The Aesop's fable by the same title is the inspiration for this illustrated book.  The lack of words in the book only enhances the illustrations.  The Author added his own touches to the story by making a family connection with both the mouse and the lion. 

Personal response:  


Classroom connections: Before showing the book to the students, I would ask if anyone has ever heard of the Aesop's fable The Lion & The Mouse.  If they had I would ask them to share, if not then I would read the fable from the website http://www.first-school.ws/theme/fables/lion-and-the-mouse.htm.  Then I show the book to the students while rereading the story to them.  I would have them recognize that a book does not need to have words in order to tell a story.  I would also ask them a few questions like, What did the lion want to do with the mouse in the beginning of the story? How do you think the little mouse felt?  What happened to the lion when he was walking through the jungle?  How did the little mouse help the big lion?  Why do you think the little mouse and the big lion became friends?