The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney is a book that instantly transports me back to a place of quiet wonder and fascination. I remember the first time I opened its pages, completely absorbed by the intricate watercolor and pencil illustrations that brought the classic Aesop fable to life without a single word. I grew up reading picture books but this one felt like more than just a story, it felt like art you could live in.
The absence of words leaves you to fully immerse yourself in the visuals, and somehow that makes the emotions even more powerful. The lion’s grandeur and the mouse’s quiet bravery come through in such subtle yet profound ways. Pinkney masterfully captures that moment of vulnerability when the mighty lion spares the mouse, and again when the tiny creature returns the favor. It’s these small, unspoken gestures that hit home for me. There’s something poetic about seeing kindness exchanged between two very different creatures, and it reminds me of how our actions, no matter how small, can make a huge impact.
I love how Pinkney expands on the traditional fable by adding layers of natural beauty. The sweeping Serengeti landscapes, the detailed flora and fauna in the background, create a sense of interconnectedness not just between the lion and the mouse, but within the whole ecosystem they inhabit. As I lingered on each page, I found new details such as a bird in flight, the texture of the lion’s fur, and the fragility of the mouse, each one making the story feel more alive.
This book is personal to me because it brings together art, nature, and the timeless theme of compassion in a way that resonates across generations. I don’t have kids, but if I did, this is the kind of story I’d want to share with them. It’s the type of book that you can sit with in silence, marvel at, and then have a meaningful conversation about afterward. Whether you’re a child or an adult, there’s something deeply moving about this wordless tale, and I think that’s why I keep returning to it. It reminds me of the simple, quiet power of kindness.
Questions to ask while reading:
- How does the mouse use his small size to rescue the lion? Discuss how being small can be powerful.
- The lion could have easily crushed the mouse when they first met, but he chose to let the little creature go. Why do you think he did that?
- Two men set a trap for the lion. Why do you think they did that? What do you think the men plan to do with the lion?
The Lion and the Mouse on Amazon
More books by Jerry Pinkney:
Aesop’s Fables