The Lion and the Mouse

The Lion and the Mouse

Written by Mairu Mackinnon

Illustrated by Frank Endersby

Published in 2008 by Usborne First Reading

32 Pages

Traditional Literature Book

Lion is sleeping when Mouse disturbs him which causes Lion to get mad. Mouse begs Lion not to eat him, so Lion spares him, and Mouse tells him he will make return the favor one day. However,  Lion doesn't believe him because he's so small. One day, Lion gets caught in a human trap, but Mouse comes to his rescue! Lion apologizes for underestimating him, and they become best of friends!!

The illustrations in this book are silly and cartoon-like in order to instill the sense of a silly, but possible bond between a mouse and a lion. The action shown in every page invites readers to turn the page just as quick as Mouse saved Lion!!

This book is great for English! I would use this book with my littles (kindergartners) by reading the book out-loud to them. I would, however, pause throughout the book and ask them to foreshadow particular events by making predictions as to what the mouse or the lion are going to do. I would nurture critical thinking skills to get them on the right path. Finally, I would add in a moral lesson by explaining that no matter how big or small you are, or whoever you are, you can do anything!!