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7th out of 17 books
—
4 voters
The World's Greatest Lion
From the creators of The World's Greatest Elephant comes the real-life story of the MGM Studios Lion.
Perhaps the most recognizable Hollywood animal--outside of Lassie--is "Leo the Lion," MGM Studios' famous mascot. For decades his image introduced hundreds of motion pictures, and Zamba the lion acted in dozens more. But he wasn't always a Hollywood star, and he certainly p...more
Perhaps the most recognizable Hollywood animal--outside of Lassie--is "Leo the Lion," MGM Studios' famous mascot. For decades his image introduced hundreds of motion pictures, and Zamba the lion acted in dozens more. But he wasn't always a Hollywood star, and he certainly p...more
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published
July 5th 2012
by Philomel
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This is the story of Zamba the lion, one of the most well-known animal actors in film history. Zamba appeared as the MGM Lion as well as in many commercials and shows. Here, the focus is on how Zamba lost his parents and his survival as an orphan cub in Africa before being found by a woman and rescued. Zamba was allowed to roam free and grew larger and larger until she could no longer safely care for him. Happily, she had heard about Africa USA, an organization looking for a lion. Africa USA off...more
I was drawn to this book because it was a story about the life of the MGM lion. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and capture every moment in the story so wonderfully.
It was really interesting to read about the adventures of Zamba the lion: how he started life as an orphan, when a lion killed both his parents, and how he ended up growing up with a village full of children. Then, he traveled across the world to the USA, where a trainer named Ralph took care of exotic animals at his san...more
It was really interesting to read about the adventures of Zamba the lion: how he started life as an orphan, when a lion killed both his parents, and how he ended up growing up with a village full of children. Then, he traveled across the world to the USA, where a trainer named Ralph took care of exotic animals at his san...more
Can't help but feel like I've just been given the Disney version of reality. And the fact that there are no sources listed other than the author's credentials on the dust jacket aren't enough for me to accept the authenticity of this account. This story of an orphaned lion adopted and raised in Africa then brought to America to become a well-loved movie star has the action children would love and the beautiful paintings that I think are supposed to give you the sense that it all happened just li...more
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I was drawn in to this book by Ted Lewin's as-always awesome watercolors, but also by the unique story. The writing is a little workmanlike but it is clear and straightforward. I knew as adult reader that the lion's back story had to have been constructed (rather than absolutely factual reporting) and from general knowledge about the entertainment industry that the story takes place sometime in the past, but a child will not. There is a note that the book is based on the author's adult book Zamb...more
This true story of Zamba the lion who appeared in many TV shows and commercials is inspiring and makes me want to know more. Left without parents as a cub, he was rescued and raised in a sanctuary and then later taken to the United States where an animal behaviorist trained him to get along with the other animals and humans. A flood threatens the animals, and it is Zamba that leads them from the flood waters and wreckage to safety under an old oak tree. The watercolor illustrations and heart-tug...more
The watercolor paintings were really remarkable. The transparent tan colors used as the background for each page (see the end-page notes) were perfect for putting me in that 'tawny' veldt that matches the lion's fur, and also happens to be a main color of the hills in California where he landed later in the book.
This was an interesting biography because it's a famous figure you might wonder about after seeing many MGM movies, and there are some very nice story elements about being displaced, fi...more
This was an interesting biography because it's a famous figure you might wonder about after seeing many MGM movies, and there are some very nice story elements about being displaced, fi...more
3.5 stars -- This is a beautifully illustrated book, with a touching, if a bit overwrought, storyline. Zamba the African lion is an orphaned cub who finds his way to the exotic animal ranch owned by a famed animal trainer. Unlike most other lions, Zamba seemingly lacks the fierce nature of the King of Beasts and instead interacts pleasantly with Helfer's children and other animals. The climax of the story comes when Zamba rescues his trainer during a terrifying flash flood that destroyed the ran...more
This is a fictionalized account of Zamba the lion. After his parents are killed by a Scar-like lion enemy, Zamba finds his way to a kind and caring woman. Eventually, he is sent to live in California and is trained to work in movies. He becomes most famous as Leo the Lion, the MGM roaring lion.
The story is a bit long for lower elementary students and the author includes neither a note to explain the true story nor additional information. While the story is interesting and the artwork attractive...more
The story is a bit long for lower elementary students and the author includes neither a note to explain the true story nor additional information. While the story is interesting and the artwork attractive...more
What a great story. Lion cub is rescued, raised with humans to be gentle, becomes a movie star. Very cool.
Beautiful illustrations by Ted Lewin paint Helfer's story of Zamba, a lion who was rescued as a cub and eventually brought to a wildlife refuge in the United States. Two exceptional events in Zamba's life make this picture book great: 1] following a dangerous storm that left many of the animals in the refuge dead, Zamba led the surviving animals back to safety at the refuge; 2] Zamba became...more
Beautiful illustrations by Ted Lewin paint Helfer's story of Zamba, a lion who was rescued as a cub and eventually brought to a wildlife refuge in the United States. Two exceptional events in Zamba's life make this picture book great: 1] following a dangerous storm that left many of the animals in the refuge dead, Zamba led the surviving animals back to safety at the refuge; 2] Zamba became...more
Loved this even though it is based upon the adult novel which I haven't read. A few years ago I started my class by reading the World's Greatest Elephant which I also loved. Although this story did not have the same emotional punch (ie it didn't make me cry), I loved the illustrations enough to want to share it.
Fictionalized biography - wish there with author endnotes that shared more of the facts. The first few pages which shared about Zamba's life with his family seemed extremely fictionalized based on what I have read about lions. However, the story picks up and works better as a fictionalized biography.
Romanticism on animals from Africa and an old movie "Tarzen" like illustration create certain familarity from this brandnew book. With the same reason, I do not get much attracted to the book. Animal lovers will enjoy reading this book.
Like others who've read this, was hoping for an author's note to explain. But, the story is intriguing enough and I see many students wanting to know more and possibly encouraging them to do some exploring and research.
I wanted more back story to this. When did it take place? What were the movies Zamba appeared in? How long did he live, etc. the story itself was engaging. Lewin's pictures amazing. So why did the publisher fall short and not provide the curious reader more?
I wanted to give this a higher rating but the initial pages seemed more like fiction than nonfiction. But the story will have appeal to young readers.
Follows the famous lion's life from Africa to the United States and recounts the events of the 1969 flood in which Zamba led the other animals to safety.
The fictionalized "biography" of Zamba, the famous MGM lion. This would make an amazing read aloud, but I really wanted an author's note explaining more.
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Very interesting story. Pictures are beautiful. However, didn't love the writing. I would give it 3.5 stars.
This book is adorable, and it reminds me why I love animals better than people. Best lion ever.
A beautifully illustrated, dramatic and engaging story.
Heartfelt story with great illustrations.
This is a great true story!
Apr 19, 2013
Chris
marked it as to-read
Apr 03, 2013
Sarah E.
marked it as to-read
Mar 29, 2013
Julia Suchkova
marked it as to-read
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