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Collection
Publication
Michael di Capua Books (2011), 32 pages
Description
Presents an adaptation of Aesop's classic tale about an unlikely friendship between a mouse and a lion in which an act of mercy proves to be a lifesaving gesture.
User reviews
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Rand and Nancy Ekholm Burkert retell the classic Aesopian fable of The Lion and the Mouse in this delightful picture-book, set in the Aha hills on the border of Botswana and Namibia. Disturbing the great King of the Beasts one day, when he mistakes him for a mountain to be climbed, the mouse pleads
Although I read a number of picture-book retellings of this fable as part of the Aesop project I conducted a few years ago, I somehow never stumbled across Mouse & Lion, and this despite my interest in the subject, and my great admiration for Nancy Ekholm Burkert's artwork. I am glad to have that omission rectified, as I found this an outstanding presentation. The narrative is engaging, fleshing out the interaction between mouse and lion in a convincing way, but it is the artwork that particularly stands out. Done in colored pencil and watercolor, the illustrations here are delicate, expressive, and completely charming. Burkert's mouse is modeled on the striped African grass mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio, and (like the lion) is beautifully depicted.
I appreciated Rand Burkert's note at the rear, regarding the choice to put the mouse first in the title, as it is he who is the true hero of the tale. I also appreciated Nancy Ekholm Burkert's note about her decision to place the story in the Aha hills, a location where Rhabdomys pumilio, Panthera leo and baobab trees might all coexist. It's interesting to me that contemporary retellers of this fable inevitably choose an African setting—Jerry Pinkney's Caldecott Medal-winning The Lion and the Mouse, for instance, is set on the African savannah—perhaps reflecting the fact that we think of lions as belonging to that continent, in the current day. Of course, when these fables we now attribute to Aesop were being penned by Greek and Roman authors—Babrius and Phaedrus mostly—there were still lions in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Europe. However that may be, this is a lovely retelling, and is one I would wholeheartedly recommend to picture-book readers looking for Aesopian retellings, or who appreciate beautiful artwork. I can't help but agree with the friend who commented that it was a travesty that this title didn't receive a Caldecott nod, at the very least. It certainly deserved it as much as the Pinkney.
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for his life, assuring his leonine captor that he might be able to aid him one day. Amused at the notion, the lion releases the mouse, little dreaming that this tiny murine creature will indeed come to his rescue, some time later...Although I read a number of picture-book retellings of this fable as part of the Aesop project I conducted a few years ago, I somehow never stumbled across Mouse & Lion, and this despite my interest in the subject, and my great admiration for Nancy Ekholm Burkert's artwork. I am glad to have that omission rectified, as I found this an outstanding presentation. The narrative is engaging, fleshing out the interaction between mouse and lion in a convincing way, but it is the artwork that particularly stands out. Done in colored pencil and watercolor, the illustrations here are delicate, expressive, and completely charming. Burkert's mouse is modeled on the striped African grass mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio, and (like the lion) is beautifully depicted.
I appreciated Rand Burkert's note at the rear, regarding the choice to put the mouse first in the title, as it is he who is the true hero of the tale. I also appreciated Nancy Ekholm Burkert's note about her decision to place the story in the Aha hills, a location where Rhabdomys pumilio, Panthera leo and baobab trees might all coexist. It's interesting to me that contemporary retellers of this fable inevitably choose an African setting—Jerry Pinkney's Caldecott Medal-winning The Lion and the Mouse, for instance, is set on the African savannah—perhaps reflecting the fact that we think of lions as belonging to that continent, in the current day. Of course, when these fables we now attribute to Aesop were being penned by Greek and Roman authors—Babrius and Phaedrus mostly—there were still lions in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Europe. However that may be, this is a lovely retelling, and is one I would wholeheartedly recommend to picture-book readers looking for Aesopian retellings, or who appreciate beautiful artwork. I can't help but agree with the friend who commented that it was a travesty that this title didn't receive a Caldecott nod, at the very least. It certainly deserved it as much as the Pinkney.
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LibraryThing member sskatherine
As a person who isn't very familiar with Aesop's Fables, it was interesting to come across this telling of what appears to be a classic fable.The story tells of Mouse being caught by Lion, but the Lion lets the Mouse go with the promise that he will someday help him as he claims he is a brave
The illustrations are lovely, detailed paintings printed on thick paper. The author, Rand Burkert describes that this story is often titled "Lion and Mouse" but he felt Mouse should get top billing because he does the most (or could we say "lion's share") of the work in the story. This could definitely be used to teach children about judging people on appearances.
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mouse. Lion, not believing Mouse's braveness still lets him go free because he finds Mouse's claim humorous. Later, Lion finds himself in a trap and Mouse is able to free him, changing Lion's opinion on the abilities of small creatures, and teaches him not to judge a creature so quickly on its appearance. The illustrations are lovely, detailed paintings printed on thick paper. The author, Rand Burkert describes that this story is often titled "Lion and Mouse" but he felt Mouse should get top billing because he does the most (or could we say "lion's share") of the work in the story. This could definitely be used to teach children about judging people on appearances.
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LibraryThing member dcaitlyn
The art is exquisite. Soft but clear design that perfectly fits the simplistic nature of the tale and it's characters.
LibraryThing member angelabotha
There definitely seems to be a connection between the technique employed in this book and the major theme within it. The most important theme is that small things can be surprisingly powerful, wonderful and beautiful and that they should not be underestimated. In this sense, the illustrator’s
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magnificent use of small lines to render the animals as well as the natural surroundings illustrates how small things (details) can have an exquisitely beautiful effect. Just like Mouse had such a powerful effect on the life of the Lion, so too do these carefully rendered illustrations have a powerful effect on the reade Show Less
LibraryThing member Janee23
The authors gave a great message about the little things in life. Rand Burkert and Nancy Burkert has out their own spin in the Mouse&Lion tale. This is a great read for children. The story allows the reader to understand there is no such thing as small deed. You never know who you might need later
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in life. Show Less
LibraryThing member audreydodge
This book is a good interpretation of the original story. I like how the author makes the dialog a little different so that the story is told from a more realistic point of view. The illustrations are wonderful pencil sketches that give realistic images of the actual animals. Over all, I really
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enjoyed this version of the story and appreciate it more than all of the others I have viewed and read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sullywriter
Beautifully illustrated, lively retelling of the fable.
LibraryThing member winterbower
This story demonstrates that size and strength oftentimes are not as important as character traits. I enjoyed it a great deal. The illustrations are fantastic.
A warm retelling of one of Aesop's fables. The Mouse is the star of this retelling and should be. It is the mouse that saves the lion, even
A warm retelling of one of Aesop's fables. The Mouse is the star of this retelling and should be. It is the mouse that saves the lion, even
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after the lion laughs at the Mouse for suggesting that he might be able to help him someday due to his small stature. Lion learns to appreciate the small creatures after he is saved by Mouse. This would be a good book for teaching about kindness and friendship (demonstrated by the Mouse). Show Less
LibraryThing member kellyknight01
This story shows the traditional story of helping one another in a time of need; even when it is someone unusual. It follows the traditional mouse and lion story, but provides unique, realistic artwork.
LibraryThing member auhaddad
Lion grants Mouse a reprieve from being eaten and sends him on his way after Mouse says that he is loyal. In this story, Lion is captured in a hunter’s net and Mouse gnaws him free Proving that he is a loyal friend. Since then, Lion and Mouse remained friends and Lon respected Mouse.
LibraryThing member sbasler
A young mouse stumbles over a lion one day, and begs the lion not to eat him. After convincing the lion that he may need the mouse's help one day, the lion lets the mouse go. Sure enough, the day comes when the lion needs the mouse to set him free.
LibraryThing member charlottestudent
The illustrations in this book are stunning. This is a classic fable that is always fun to read. Younger elementary students would love it.
LibraryThing member marabie
This book is a fable retold. In most other fables like this one the title is switched to Lion & Mouse. In this book mouse is first, after reading readers can see that mouse saves the day. Usually, lions are the kings of the jungle, but in this book the mouse is the hero. The book starts off with
This would be a good book to read to a class when talking about helping others. It is short, cute, and to the point.
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Mouse accidentally climbing over Lion. Before Mouse gets eaten by Lion, he proves how brace he is. Lion likes Mouse's bravery and lets him go free. A year passes and Lion gets caught in a net. Mouse happens to see his old friend and hurries to use his teeth and chew off the net. Lion realizes that sometimes size does not matter.This would be a good book to read to a class when talking about helping others. It is short, cute, and to the point.
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LibraryThing member jknuts1
The big idea of this book is that even those that are small can accomplish great things. I think the illustrations in this text are the best part; they don't appear to be too cartoon-like as some of the fable stories are, and they aren't boring and washed out as many others are. They add to the
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text and help the reader visualize the sheer size difference and presence of the lion and the mouse. It may not be very important, but I also like the fact that the title puts the mouse first in this fable. So many other versions list the lions name first, which implies he is more important than the mouse, but it's actually the mouse that is doing the most work! Show Less
LibraryThing member JoseJay
The illustrations are beautiful and provide natural detail which makes for a realistic and possible story. An amazing story for kindness and friendship. Even a big bad lion, needs help every once in awhile and a good friend can come in any shape or size.
Awards
Triple Crown Awards (Nominee — 2014)
Aesop Prize (Accolade — 2012)
CCBC Choices (2012)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Five to Nine — 2012)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
11 inches
ISBN
0545101476 / 9780545101479