The Lion and the Mouse

The Lion and the Mouse: A Retelling of Aesop’s Fable

Author: Mark White

Illustrator: Sara Rojo

Publisher: Picture Window Books

Copyright 2004

24 Pages

Folklore/ Traditional

            As I was looking through the folklore and fable section of the library, I saw this book and realized that I had never heard of this tale. Being ever so curious, I decided that since I had never heard this fable before that I would read it now! A mouse in a jungle is hunting food when he stumbles upon a lion taking a nap. The mouse tries to sneak away; however, the lion wakes up and catches him proclaiming that he will now become his snack. The little mouse pleads with the lion and the lion allows the mouse to go free. Because of his gratitude the mouse promises his help whenever the lion needs it, but the lion just laughs. Later, the mouse gets to help the lion by freeing him from a trap. The mouse and the lion become friends and realize that no matter how small, kindness is a great gift.

            The illustrations in this book were completed by painting with gouache. The illustrations are more two dimensional and highlight the many textures in the jungle; the lion looks as if he has actual fur and the leaves seem to have a smooth texture. The colors in this book vary from the different pages; however, all of the hues are rather muted and not very bright or extravagant. The illustrator of The Lion and the Mouse uses no negative space and the text contrasts nicely with the colorful pages.

            This book would be more appropriate for younger children that are possibly four to six years old. Most teachers of any grade could correlate this book into their curriculum using character education objectives. This book could also be used in while students are studying the different animals that live in jungles and forests around the world. Students of all ages must be reminded of the wonders that simple kindness can do and this book is a wonderful example of kindness.