The Lion and the Mice

PreS-Gr 1—In this uneven easy reader, the traditional fable is presented in an urban setting, with the lion stuck in a cage instead of a net. The mouse is lost, and the lion not only spares her life but also lifts her up so she can find her home. The mouse returns with an entire community of mice who work together to unlock the cage (though how/where they get the key is a mystery). The Emberleys' characteristic eye-popping abstract art is as delightful as ever, but suffers in the smaller format. While earlier collaborations such as The Red Hen (Roaring Brook, 2010) showcased the bold figures with lots of white space, Lion is set against an abstract night/cityscape and is composed with varying perspectives that may be confusing for emergent readers who are looking for context. The short sentences and simplified storytelling that make it appropriate for early readers prevent it from being an enjoyable read aloud: "The mouse comes back./More mice come./The lion roars." The quirky little rodents in their fancy boots are utterly charming, but the overall effect of the book is disjointed and will be confusing to its intended audience.—Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI