The Lion & the Mouse

 

Title:  The Lion & the Mouse

Author/Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Age:7-12

Award: caldecott winner

The book contains no actual words describing the events that are occurring but instead leaves it up to the pictures to do all the storytelling, which was my favorite aspect of the book. I love the idea that when children "read" this book, they are analyzing the pictures and then creating their own stories based on how they interpret the depictions. This is a great way for the reader to feel connected to the book, since their stories will relate to their own lives and experiences.

The message taught through the pictures are also appropriate for young readers. I also valued the themes the book communicated such as the ideas of friendship, different individuals having different strengths and weaknesses, and being helpful to one another.

When looking at the picture of the lion on the front cover, the details in the illustration are what sets this book apart from just an ordinary picture book. From the front cover to the back, the illustrations are of such great quality. The Lion and the Mouse is another must have in my future classroom. I can think of countless activities and lesson plans already, they practically write themselves. 

This is such a great story and it really gives you the opportunity to come to your own conclusions about the story and what the overall meaning can be