An affectionate storybook tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.
Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very part... read full description
Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very part... read full description
reviews
Nov 29, 2008
Ann
rated it: 
What a sweet and touching story! The book is about a lion who decides to visit the library and stays. He helps out amongst the library staff and the children love him! And when someone falls and gets hurt, the lion must decide how to save them - even if it means breaking the rules.
The book is filled with beautiful pictures and a heartfelt writing style. The main characters are each unique and distinct. And there is a great message about rules being rules, but that even rules can be b More...
The book is filled with beautiful pictures and a heartfelt writing style. The main characters are each unique and distinct. And there is a great message about rules being rules, but that even rules can be b More...
3 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Dec 01, 2008
Abigail
rated it: 
The public library was my home away from home as a child, and I vividly recall how eagerly I anticipated my weekly Saturday visits, and the deep sense of contentment I felt, when wandering through the stacks and browsing the shelves. With a lifetime of affection for this most wonderful of public institutions, it's hardly surprising that I have a soft spot for books which highlight the joy and pleasure to be had therein...
Library Lion is one such book, and I thank my goodreads friend More...
Library Lion is one such book, and I thank my goodreads friend More...
7 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Dec 09, 2008
Chandra
rated it:
Has there ever been a cuter lion in this history of children's lit? The illustrator is a master at capturing facial expressions. Who knew a lion could have such a wide range of emotions? After I read the book to Izzy I flipped through the pages again and just marveled at the illustrations. Something I missed through my first reading are the hysterical expressions of the people around the lion.
I also love that this book reinforces the concept of rules, but also emphasizes friends More...
I also love that this book reinforces the concept of rules, but also emphasizes friends More...
6 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Nov 30, 2008
Kathryn
rated it:
Absolutely wonderful!!! I loved it!!! Great for cat-lovers and library-lovers. Please, Library Lion, come to the El Dorado Hills library! ;->
0 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Jan 15, 2012
Robert
rated it:
Should a children’s book aim to teach important lessons to kids or just exist to entertain? This is a false choice and Library Lion shows just how possible it is to do both. I loved this book about a lion who falls in love with story time at the library, breaks the rules – by roaring in protest when story time is over – and is allowed to stay only on the condition that he obeys all of the rules from then on. Eventually there is a choice to be made between following the rules and roaring to fetc
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(1 person liked it)
Apr 27, 2009
Sha_von
rated it:
I read this book with my 1st graders and did a wonderful plot, setting and character activity. They loved it! The book was very warm and the character of the lion helped the children to realize how important it is to be nice and help others.
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Jan 28, 2011
babyhippoface
rated it:
A lion in the library? Well...give him a chance. As long as he's not breaking any rules (like roaring in the library), he can stay. But what happens when something happens and a friend needs help? Is it okay to roar then?
Hawkes' illustrations have an old-fashioned, soft, kind of washed-out look to them, echoing the idea that the library is a place for muted voices (again--no roaring). Even very young children can read the lion's expressive face and understand how it's feeling at var More...
Hawkes' illustrations have an old-fashioned, soft, kind of washed-out look to them, echoing the idea that the library is a place for muted voices (again--no roaring). Even very young children can read the lion's expressive face and understand how it's feeling at var More...
2 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Mar 29, 2010
Sheila
rated it:
This delightful story starts off simply: "One day, a lion came to the library." No one is sure what to do, since there are no rules about lions and libraries. Nevertheless, the lion settles in nicely, once he agrees to follow the "no roaring" rule. He regularly attends the story hour, and helps Miss Merriweather, the librarian, by dusting the encyclopedias, licking the envelopes for overdue notices, and letting children stand on his back so they can reach books on the highest
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Jan 20, 2010
Brandi.
rated it:
My writer friend Karen gave this book to the baby while I was still pregnant. I read it to her the day we made our first trip to our local library.
Library Lion is an amazing introduction to the library. Michelle Knudsen imagines the answer to a question many library lovers have asked ourselves: "Wouldn't it be cool if the lion statues that guard the library also read books?" Personally, I'd be a little freaked out if the gargoyles that guard Chicago's main library came to l More...
Library Lion is an amazing introduction to the library. Michelle Knudsen imagines the answer to a question many library lovers have asked ourselves: "Wouldn't it be cool if the lion statues that guard the library also read books?" Personally, I'd be a little freaked out if the gargoyles that guard Chicago's main library came to l More...
Jul 24, 2009
Published in 2006, this light picturebook documents the experience of a lion when he wanders into a library. Since he's not a rulebreaker, the lion is allowed to wander the library, enjoy story hour and help out around the building.
The kind and helpful lion is very child-like. It checks out all aspects of the library (including the out-dated card catalog) and throws a tantrum when story hour comes to an end. He even has traits of Lassie the dog when an emergency arises (No, nobody fal More...
The kind and helpful lion is very child-like. It checks out all aspects of the library (including the out-dated card catalog) and throws a tantrum when story hour comes to an end. He even has traits of Lassie the dog when an emergency arises (No, nobody fal More...
Apr 06, 2011
Keri
rated it:
Category: Grades K-3, Book #10
Love love love this book! The book takes place in a public library. One day a lion walks in, and at first scares everyone but then becomes one of the library's most honored visitors. The librarian has strict rules to follow, and Lion does his best to abide by them. One day, Lion helps Miss Merriweather after she has a fall. Kids love this book! It's great for a read-aloud just to enjoy. Teachers could also read it as an introduction to writing ficti More...
Love love love this book! The book takes place in a public library. One day a lion walks in, and at first scares everyone but then becomes one of the library's most honored visitors. The librarian has strict rules to follow, and Lion does his best to abide by them. One day, Lion helps Miss Merriweather after she has a fall. Kids love this book! It's great for a read-aloud just to enjoy. Teachers could also read it as an introduction to writing ficti More...
Sep 26, 2009
Marija
rated it:
I found this book to be a great way to introduce the school library to students. The children get a really big kick out of the lion being in the library, and how the librarian Miss Meriweather isn't scared of him and makes him follow the rules like everyone else. I thought the overall lesson that sometimes rules can be broken, even in the library, helps do away with some of the stereotypes we've come to accept about the library. My only hesitation for not giving this book five stars was the refe
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Dec 21, 2011
Dorothea
rated it: 
(I am reviewing children's picture books because I bought two as a present for a little girl. Of course when you give books to children you have to read them first... so I say.)
Three things that I have known from an early age:
1. Libraries are very important places which must be visited frequently.
2. One must behave respectfully in a library.
3. Some things are more important than respectful behavior -- even in libraries.
So this book suits me very we More...
Three things that I have known from an early age:
1. Libraries are very important places which must be visited frequently.
2. One must behave respectfully in a library.
3. Some things are more important than respectful behavior -- even in libraries.
So this book suits me very we More...
Sep 03, 2011
Kimberli
rated it:
This is a sweet and enchanting story about a lion that visits the library and receives a chance to participate in story time just like all the other children. But, once the lion breaks the rules and roars really loud he is told that he will have to be quiet or leave the library. The lion begins to understand the library rules and does many helpful things for the librarians. One day, an accident happens to the head librarian and the lion does something to break the rules but only to help her b
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Oct 31, 2010
Cassandra
rated it:
This book was so good!!! I love it!!! Not only were the pictures super cute but the overall moral and lesson to the story was adorable and touching. Even though the lion was no supposed to roar in the library that was the only thing that he knew to do to be Mr. McBee's attention and that is what he did. I think that this lesson is a very important one for young children to understand and sometimes even adults need reminding of it. There are rules that are set in place for a reason however, somet
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Jun 26, 2011
Joni
rated it:
Library goers of all ages will be absolutely enchanted by this book. Knudsen’s beguiling story about a lion who loves to visit the library is a perfect book for reinforcing the joys of reading to children. When the library lion is disappointed that Story Hour is over, the librarian Miss Meriwether tells him that, if he’s going to stay at the library, he must make himself useful. So the library lion goes to work. He dusts the encyclopedias with his tail, he licks the stamps, and he makes a co
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Apr 01, 2011
S.N.Arly
rated it:
We gave this to our son on his fifth birthday. It was perfect. He loves libraries and he had just gotten out of a cast, which made him extra sensitive to Miss Merriweather's injury.
The pictures are beautiful and the writing flows nicely. It's on the longer side for a picture book, which is also suitable at this age. In addition to being a really endearing (almost tear inspiring) tale of friendship it also covers the topics of jealousy and the fact that it is sometimes appropriate More...
The pictures are beautiful and the writing flows nicely. It's on the longer side for a picture book, which is also suitable at this age. In addition to being a really endearing (almost tear inspiring) tale of friendship it also covers the topics of jealousy and the fact that it is sometimes appropriate More...
Sep 20, 2011
Eva
rated it:
What an awesome book! This is the best children's book I've read in awhile. I even got a bit teary when the lion left the library! (I can't believe I'm admitting to that.)
I have a special place in my heart for books about books, or libraries, as this happens to be. Julia doesn't seem to share this same preference. Not yet at least.
But she did enjoy this book and she said she wants to hear it again (we listened to the audio and followed along) before it goes back to the library.
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I have a special place in my heart for books about books, or libraries, as this happens to be. Julia doesn't seem to share this same preference. Not yet at least.
But she did enjoy this book and she said she wants to hear it again (we listened to the audio and followed along) before it goes back to the library.
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May 08, 2010
Annemarie
rated it:
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of this book. It has lovely illustration and is a reasonably "long" story for a preschooler. But in it, there are few different instances of breaking the rules in the library. At first, I thought that that might send the message to my daughters that it's okay to break rules - though sometimes. I wondered if they'd know when it's okay. But having read the book a few times, i think the most important aspect about the book is that even after one ch
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Jan 27, 2012
Ruth
rated it:
This story is a sweet story about a lion who comes the library one day and discovers that the library has rules you have to follow. He comes back other days and helps the librarian out with her chores. He comes everyday until one day something happened that caused him to break the rules and he leaves without returning. He finally returns when one of the library workers tells him the new rule that made him feel better.
This book would be good for begining readers. It has many words the More...
This book would be good for begining readers. It has many words the More...
Apr 15, 2011
Joy
rated it:
I loved this book! The lion is endearing and utterly perfect. The lion comes to the library one day and finds he rather loves it there and wants to stay. As long as he can follow the rules everyone is very happy to have him (he dusts shelves! he is cozy for the children at story time!). Then an accident happens and lion roars loudly to get attention and help, though he knows he has broken the quiet rule and must leave. However, sometimes rules must be broken and the library is not the same
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Jul 29, 2011
Candice
rated it:
A charming book about the pleasures of a library. "One day a lion came to the library. He walked right past the circulation desk and up into the stacks." The lion made himself at home and made himself useful, once he learned the rules. He particularly liked the children's story time. But what happens when the lion breaks one of the rules? Are there situations in which rules can be broken? The softly colored illustrations are so beautifully done and they convey a range of emotion
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Mar 13, 2010
Heidi
rated it:
OK. I know it's obvious that I will fall for most books with a library theme and/or setting. But oh my goodness--this one is too adorable! I love it. I think the illustrations are calm and soothing, and remind me of when I would go (sometimes by myself!) to the little neighborhood library that was inside a small house. Where I would curl up to read, or used the beloved card catalog (yes, I loved them even then). So the nostalgia the book brings me as well as the sweet and sometimes funny story m
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Oct 03, 2010
Teri
rated it:
This New York Times bestseller is a story about a lion that one day walks into a library. Miss Merriweather is the head librarian and she is very strict about the library rules. The librarian permits the lion to stay as long as he follows the rules of the library. The lion makes himself at home and becomes very useful, until one day there is a terrible accident. The lion wants to help, but is it ok to break the rules?
Audience/Age Level: 4-7 yrs
Instructional Ideas:
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Audience/Age Level: 4-7 yrs
Instructional Ideas:
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Oct 26, 2011
Laura
rated it:
I love this picture book! (But I have to admit that this is a book that I love, not necessarily my students.) A lion wanders into a library and, after he learns the rules, becomes a welcome and helpful part of the library. When the beloved librarian falls off a ladder, the Library Lion is forced to break the rules. In the end, everyone learns that sometimes, but only sometimes, it's okay to break the rules.
I read this story to my first graders at the beginning of the year. And eve More...
I read this story to my first graders at the beginning of the year. And eve More...
Oct 25, 2011
Christina
rated it:
I read this book to my three year old daughter. She has just recently developed the ability to sit through books that take more than a couple minutes to read. I was surprised when she not only stayed interested during some of the longer pages, but also wanted me to reread it as soon as I had finished it. It is an imaginative story that takes a known icon of the library and brings it to life. My daughter held her ears when the lion ROARED very loudly. I had as much fun reading the book to my daug
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Jul 25, 2011
teacup_carousel
rated it:
Library Lion has quickly become one of my all time favorite books for children. One day a friendly lion appears out of the blue at the library. He doesn't seem to be hurting anyone so the confused librarians allow him to stay for story time. When it's over the disappointed lion roars loudly and is promptly told by one of the workers that if he wishes to return for story time again tomorrow he must learn to follow all the rules of the library including keeping quite. But when trouble erupts in th
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Nov 09, 2009
Beth
rated it:
This is a book that librarians will love because it is about libraries. When a lion walks into the library, no one says peep until he roars in disappointment at the end of storytime. Miss Merriweather insists that rule breaking is not allowed; chiefly, no roaring. The promise of more stories in return for good manners turns the lion into a stellar library volunteer. When the lion breaks rule number one, he self-imposes an exile, and the library is very very quiet without him.
Hawkes m More...
Hawkes m More...
Jun 03, 2008
Malbadeen
rated it:
I'm not sure if the illustrations or the wording necessarily merits 5 stars but the premise certainly does. Finally a kids book that addresses the necessity to occasionally BREAK THE RULES!
Working in a grade school and having 2 grade school aged children of my own, I can attest to the fact there is no shortage of the message "FOLLOW THE RULES" being espoused by society as a whole. Which frequently creates a hyper vigilance to group compliance that can drive a person fucking batty More...
Working in a grade school and having 2 grade school aged children of my own, I can attest to the fact there is no shortage of the message "FOLLOW THE RULES" being espoused by society as a whole. Which frequently creates a hyper vigilance to group compliance that can drive a person fucking batty More...
Dec 28, 2007
Tamara
rated it:
"Sometimes there is a good reason to break the rules. Even in the library."
I love this lion. He is the cutest lion I have ever seen. I like that the author didn't name him. He is simply a lion.
What struck me about this book was the idea that it was written last year, and yet the author used all kinds of library terminology. With all of the talk within library circles about the fact that no one knows or understands our lingo, this book mentioned card catalogs ( More...
I love this lion. He is the cutest lion I have ever seen. I like that the author didn't name him. He is simply a lion.
What struck me about this book was the idea that it was written last year, and yet the author used all kinds of library terminology. With all of the talk within library circles about the fact that no one knows or understands our lingo, this book mentioned card catalogs ( More...
