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The Lion and the Mouse
"Little Mouse. Big Lion. Big, big trouble. Who will save the mouse? Who will save the lion?" This simple retelling of the classic Aesop fable will be a treat for kids and their parents as an adventurous mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds--like rescuing the King of the Jungle. With big, bold illustrations by Lisa McCue and large type, this Early Step into Reading book is perfect for kids just beginning to learn how to read.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1998
5 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Gail Herman
228 books74 followersGail Herman, formerly a children's book editor in New York City, has written picture books, easy-to-reads, and chapter books, including many titles in the Who Was/What Was series. She lives in Newton, Massachusetts with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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September 22, 2019 The Lion and the Mouse was a great fable. This fable was a great example because it was so brief and to the point. However, in the end, the message was to always help others. I think a book like this is so fun because it personifies animals. Kids love when animals are talking in the story, because they are likely to be more engaged. I see students at a young age begin to act like animals and impersonate them. Reading about this imagination helps them to think it is “normal” or gives them more ideas about how to impersonate different animals.
Small lessons within a book are so important. When I am reading to younger children, I want them to hear a story that includes good, well-taught lessons. No matter how small the lesson, it is worth teaching children. I love the book “The Lion and the Mouse,” because the message that it is teaching was only taught with a few words. There was never more than four words on a page, but the illustrations were wonderful. For young students, lots of text may scare them away. However, when they read this book they get to read very little, look at wonderful illustrations, and get a great lesson out of it.
In a classroom, it is so important that students learn about the different genres of books. Fables were one of my favorites as a child, and I hope I can incorporate these texts into my classroom. My favorite was “The Tortoise and the Hare.” I thoroughly remember reading this text and analyzing it. I am unsure what grade I was in, but many fables you can read and tailor to the needs of your students in any grade level. Not only do I want my students to be great readers, I want them to understand literature and the different types of literature. Small lessons within a book will allow my students to learn productive acts or words to live by.
Small lessons within a book are so important. When I am reading to younger children, I want them to hear a story that includes good, well-taught lessons. No matter how small the lesson, it is worth teaching children. I love the book “The Lion and the Mouse,” because the message that it is teaching was only taught with a few words. There was never more than four words on a page, but the illustrations were wonderful. For young students, lots of text may scare them away. However, when they read this book they get to read very little, look at wonderful illustrations, and get a great lesson out of it.
In a classroom, it is so important that students learn about the different genres of books. Fables were one of my favorites as a child, and I hope I can incorporate these texts into my classroom. My favorite was “The Tortoise and the Hare.” I thoroughly remember reading this text and analyzing it. I am unsure what grade I was in, but many fables you can read and tailor to the needs of your students in any grade level. Not only do I want my students to be great readers, I want them to understand literature and the different types of literature. Small lessons within a book will allow my students to learn productive acts or words to live by.
April 17, 2021
The Lion and the Mouse by Gail Herman (Step into Reading)
The Lion and the Mouse is one of my favorite Aesop’s fables. It is a wonderful story of helping others, and it really drives home many important ideas: we all have special talents, help can come from unexpected places, power and strength are not always outwardly obvious, and kindness is best. This is an early reader book leveled at Step 1, so this book would be appropriate for kindergarten or first grade. It has wonderful illustrations which really help tell the story.
I think this would be a great book about which students could try to make predictions. Once we see the lion save the mouse and laugh at the idea that the mouse could ever help him, we could try to predict ways that a tiny mouse might be able to help a big lion. After making their predictions, students would be very invested in the end of the story and learning how the mouse is actually able to save the lion. I always like to relate ideas in books to other situations in life, so we might also brainstorm other scenarios where small people (the students!) can have a big impact in helping others. One of the great things about folklore is that it survives the ages, and here is a story written in the 6th century that we can apply to our lives today. This story opens the students’ minds to universal truths about the real nature of both power and kindness.
The Lion and the Mouse is one of my favorite Aesop’s fables. It is a wonderful story of helping others, and it really drives home many important ideas: we all have special talents, help can come from unexpected places, power and strength are not always outwardly obvious, and kindness is best. This is an early reader book leveled at Step 1, so this book would be appropriate for kindergarten or first grade. It has wonderful illustrations which really help tell the story.
I think this would be a great book about which students could try to make predictions. Once we see the lion save the mouse and laugh at the idea that the mouse could ever help him, we could try to predict ways that a tiny mouse might be able to help a big lion. After making their predictions, students would be very invested in the end of the story and learning how the mouse is actually able to save the lion. I always like to relate ideas in books to other situations in life, so we might also brainstorm other scenarios where small people (the students!) can have a big impact in helping others. One of the great things about folklore is that it survives the ages, and here is a story written in the 6th century that we can apply to our lives today. This story opens the students’ minds to universal truths about the real nature of both power and kindness.
January 27, 2019
The story is separated into two parts. In the first part, the lion caught a mouse and finally set him free. In the second part, the lion was caught in a rope trap. When he roared for help, it was the mouse saved him.
It is really clear for children to see that the two parts of story can be compared. The pictures are not that cute for cartoons, but add more details like the facial characteristics of real life. So, it is closer to the real lions and mice, which can help children to learn that not all of the animals can stand with their feet and use their hands as people in other animations.
The author used a lot of bright color, like light yellow and light green, which indicated the optimistic opinions in the story. The action described in the pictures are clear and do fit the words on the side. The detail of environment are also great and they make sense.
It is really clear for children to see that the two parts of story can be compared. The pictures are not that cute for cartoons, but add more details like the facial characteristics of real life. So, it is closer to the real lions and mice, which can help children to learn that not all of the animals can stand with their feet and use their hands as people in other animations.
The author used a lot of bright color, like light yellow and light green, which indicated the optimistic opinions in the story. The action described in the pictures are clear and do fit the words on the side. The detail of environment are also great and they make sense.
December 4, 2017
None
K-3
This book is about a mouse preventing a lion from eating him by telling the lion that he will one day use his help when he mostly needs it. The lion gets trapped and the mouse comes to rescue the lion. The lions learns to not underestimate the mouse regarding their differences.
I enjoyed reading this book because the moral of this story is to aways help others without judging the person for their differences. The storyline is also simple and begins readers with simple words and sentences. The illustrations are very colorful, vivid, and warm.
1. Create a play similar to the story line by using props
2. Create a lesson on helping others and why its important
K-3
This book is about a mouse preventing a lion from eating him by telling the lion that he will one day use his help when he mostly needs it. The lion gets trapped and the mouse comes to rescue the lion. The lions learns to not underestimate the mouse regarding their differences.
I enjoyed reading this book because the moral of this story is to aways help others without judging the person for their differences. The storyline is also simple and begins readers with simple words and sentences. The illustrations are very colorful, vivid, and warm.
1. Create a play similar to the story line by using props
2. Create a lesson on helping others and why its important
August 29, 2019
This version of this folktale is fun because it uses very simple words that K5 and maybe K4 could read to themselves. This particular folktale has a few take-away lessons that children can figure out by themselves. I use a wordier version to teach fables to K4- having this one on hand for them to read to themselves is a great addition to the lesson.
April 29, 2020
I like this book a LOT for beginning readers. The concept of encouraging children to always help others is one that I often look and hope for in books. This is a wonderful example, and the wording isn't too complicated. It is easy enough for comprehension with a good message and it will definitely be on my future bookshelf.
October 20, 2021
This tale is about a mouse that finds a lion and runs all over him until the lion gets angry and tries to eat the mouse. The mouse apologizes and says he will never do it again. Later on, when the lion is trapped in a net, the mouse chews away the rope and helps the lion escape. This story can teach children that acts of kindness will be repaid, and that you should always help those in need.
January 6, 2024
"Issssssn't it lovely?"
-Billie Eilish.
~~
The true karma of how I just reviewed a freaking "retelling" (???) of this book not too long ago...
FEATURING: The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Enjoy. 😊
-Billie Eilish.
~~
The true karma of how I just reviewed a freaking "retelling" (???) of this book not too long ago...
FEATURING: The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Enjoy. 😊
April 7, 2020
The big lion sets the mouse free. The mouse promises to help the lion one day. The lion is caught in a hunters's net. The mouse chews the rope, the lion is free.
This book could be used to share with children we should always help others.
This book could be used to share with children we should always help others.
September 7, 2017
I think this is a good book to show friendship and show children no matter what you need to be there for people when they're in trouble.
March 8, 2018
May be one day I can help you.That's what happened..
December 18, 2018
Lilli helped me read this one.
December 19, 2018
Beautifully illustrated
April 7, 2020
Used to show my students to never judge someone before they get to know them! I would do a get to know you activity where students would do a get to know you bingo
February 29, 2016
Title: The Lion and the Mouse
Author: Gail Herman (Aesop)
Illustrator: Lisa McCue
Genre: Fable
Theme(s): Helping others, Believing in others, Friendship, Loyalty
Opening line/sentence:
Part 1
Little Mouse.
Brief Book Summary:
A small mouse prevents a lion from eating him by exclaiming that he may help the lion one day when the lion most needs it. The lion laughs in the mouse’s face. Later, the lion gets trapped in a hunting net, and the mouse comes to the lion’s rescue by chewing away at the ropes until the lion is set free. The lion comes to learn that he should not have underestimated the small mouse because anyone is capable of helping someone else, regardless of their qualities or differences. The moral of the story is to always help others.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
Aesop's well-known fable is told with an economy of words and pictures to help the very new reader along in this Level 1 "Step Into Reading" title. The words "trouble" and "follow" may give some readers pause, but familiar ones such as "big, little, roar, help, and chew" will give readers satisfaction as they make their way through text that varies from one to four lines per page. McCue's illustrations make the lion less scary than some versions, and the fable ends with a picture of the mouse mounted on the lion's head moving into the sunset and text states the moral: Always Help Others. It is a good first book for introducing children to the genre of fables and a nicely laid out version for new readers as well.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
Herman retells the fable of the lion who thinks he is much better than the mouse because he is bigger. The mouse saves himself from the lion's claws by assuring the lion that he will need him someday. And sure enough, the lion becomes trapped in a net and only the mouse can save him. A large typeface and simple, repetitive text are paired with action packed illustrations. This "Early Step into Reading" book is designed for beginning readers.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Hepler and Kiger both offer their approval of this text as one that will suit early readers well, and I have to agree. Though Gail Herman’s version of the classic Aesop fable did not necessarily strike me as a repetitive text, its simplistic form is certainly easy to follow and remain engaged with. I agree with Hepler in the sense that some vocabulary will be familiar to early readers while other vocabulary will not be, and therefore this is a beneficial text for children exhibiting arhythmic reading-like behavior as they will be trying to sound out words they do not know.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The most notable literary element in Herman’s version of Aesop’s fable is the minimal text on each page. This aspect of the book is beneficial for children in the fluent reading-like behavior stages of their literacy development because the plot is easy to follow and therefore memorable. Additionally, less text on a page assists the development of print awareness, as well as the association between print and illustrations. With regards to the overall storyline and concluding moral lesson, Hepler does an exceptional job of making what can be a more elaborate story very understandable for young readers.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book would be most ideal to either read aloud to the class using a big book or have accessible to the children to flip through when they are given an opportunity to select a book to read. Seeing as this version of the classic fable is designed specifically for early readers, this is a great text to encourage students to read independently. Personally, I would have this title serve as a reflection prompt, and ask children to consider a time when they helped someone and consider how they felt after they offered a helping hand.
Author: Gail Herman (Aesop)
Illustrator: Lisa McCue
Genre: Fable
Theme(s): Helping others, Believing in others, Friendship, Loyalty
Opening line/sentence:
Part 1
Little Mouse.
Brief Book Summary:
A small mouse prevents a lion from eating him by exclaiming that he may help the lion one day when the lion most needs it. The lion laughs in the mouse’s face. Later, the lion gets trapped in a hunting net, and the mouse comes to the lion’s rescue by chewing away at the ropes until the lion is set free. The lion comes to learn that he should not have underestimated the small mouse because anyone is capable of helping someone else, regardless of their qualities or differences. The moral of the story is to always help others.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
Aesop's well-known fable is told with an economy of words and pictures to help the very new reader along in this Level 1 "Step Into Reading" title. The words "trouble" and "follow" may give some readers pause, but familiar ones such as "big, little, roar, help, and chew" will give readers satisfaction as they make their way through text that varies from one to four lines per page. McCue's illustrations make the lion less scary than some versions, and the fable ends with a picture of the mouse mounted on the lion's head moving into the sunset and text states the moral: Always Help Others. It is a good first book for introducing children to the genre of fables and a nicely laid out version for new readers as well.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
Herman retells the fable of the lion who thinks he is much better than the mouse because he is bigger. The mouse saves himself from the lion's claws by assuring the lion that he will need him someday. And sure enough, the lion becomes trapped in a net and only the mouse can save him. A large typeface and simple, repetitive text are paired with action packed illustrations. This "Early Step into Reading" book is designed for beginning readers.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Hepler and Kiger both offer their approval of this text as one that will suit early readers well, and I have to agree. Though Gail Herman’s version of the classic Aesop fable did not necessarily strike me as a repetitive text, its simplistic form is certainly easy to follow and remain engaged with. I agree with Hepler in the sense that some vocabulary will be familiar to early readers while other vocabulary will not be, and therefore this is a beneficial text for children exhibiting arhythmic reading-like behavior as they will be trying to sound out words they do not know.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The most notable literary element in Herman’s version of Aesop’s fable is the minimal text on each page. This aspect of the book is beneficial for children in the fluent reading-like behavior stages of their literacy development because the plot is easy to follow and therefore memorable. Additionally, less text on a page assists the development of print awareness, as well as the association between print and illustrations. With regards to the overall storyline and concluding moral lesson, Hepler does an exceptional job of making what can be a more elaborate story very understandable for young readers.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book would be most ideal to either read aloud to the class using a big book or have accessible to the children to flip through when they are given an opportunity to select a book to read. Seeing as this version of the classic fable is designed specifically for early readers, this is a great text to encourage students to read independently. Personally, I would have this title serve as a reflection prompt, and ask children to consider a time when they helped someone and consider how they felt after they offered a helping hand.
April 6, 2015
Summary- This story is an adapted version of the Lion and the Mouse folktale. The story starts off with a little field mouse getting caught by a lion. The mouse pleads with the lion for his life promising if he lets him go he will on day save his life in return. The lion decides to humor the little mouse and lets him go. Awhile later the lion is caught by a pochures net. The mouse comes to the lions aid and chews through the net and frees the lion. The moral of this story being that you should not base someones worth on their appearance.
Reaction- I thought this story was a cute adaptation of this folktale. The illustrations were colorful, warm, and inviting. The story line is simple and intended for beginning readers with simple words and sentences. This would also work for all age children because the moral of this story is relevant to everyone.
Reaction- I thought this story was a cute adaptation of this folktale. The illustrations were colorful, warm, and inviting. The story line is simple and intended for beginning readers with simple words and sentences. This would also work for all age children because the moral of this story is relevant to everyone.
November 11, 2015
The Lion and the Mouse is a great book to read in a classroom. The story begins with a mouse running up and down a lion while he is sleeping. The lion wakes up and he is very angry. So angry that he wants to kill the mouse. The mouse ends up getting away because the lion decides to forgive him. This comes back to help the lion in the end when he gets trapped by a hunter. The mouse helps him escape and they then become best friends. I loved this book because it teaches you to be nice to everyone you meet because it could come back to help you in the end.
November 18, 2013
This is the classic morality story of the lion and the mouse at a reading level for very early readers. Beautiful illustrations too! Any child would enjoy this story, and it could definitely lead to a discussion of the importance of EVERYONE in our lives. A great book for giving to school and charity programs for this upcoming holiday season also!
April 2, 2014
Review; This is the retell of the original "The Lion and the Mouse". I really enjoy any version of this story. it sends such a good message regarding friendship. I really like the illustrations as well since they are so colorful and cute.
Utilization: This is a perfect story to reenact. To make the "play" even better, you should use real and found props and costumes.
Utilization: This is a perfect story to reenact. To make the "play" even better, you should use real and found props and costumes.
January 19, 2010
The illustrations really pushed this adaptation of Aesop's tale to a five-star rating. It is a true easy reader--many sight words and a few new words that can be sounded out, and a couple that needed a mommy's help.
February 16, 2013
The illustrations were nice but I my opinion you need to have more natural language in an easy reader. The text of this book is very choppy and doesn't allow for many syntax cues, although it has a lot of sight words.
October 20, 2013
a great lesson starter on empathy and helping others
October 20, 2012
Very cute- mouse asks lion to not eat him in exchange for a favor later. Teaches that size doesn't matter. 1st grade level
April 4, 2013
I loved this book! Good lesson! :)
December 8, 2013
A favorite of mine but I was hoping for the version by Jerry Pinkney.
March 19, 2015
Maybe too abridged? I know it's for beginning readers but the story was shortened so much it almost didn't make sense. The illustrations, however, were lovely.
January 17, 2024
Read with Cecilia 17 jan 2024
A different take on the original story of how the mouse saves the lion. Good drawings and easy wording. PreK reading level.
A different take on the original story of how the mouse saves the lion. Good drawings and easy wording. PreK reading level.
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November 8, 2018"The Lion and the Mouse" is an easy reader translation of Aesop's fable of the same name. This book would be at a 1st grade reading level. It tells the story of a lion who does not eat a mouse. The mouse tells him that maybe someday the mouse will be able to help the lion in return. The lion scoffs at this idea. One day, the lion gets caught in a net. The mouse hears his roars and chews him free.
Despite its simplicity, this story contains elements of traditional literature, such as 2 dimensional characters, personified animals, and a moral.
I would use this book as an introduction to traditional literature in kindergarten and 1st grade. Because it retains the characteristics of a typical fable, I think this book is a really good example of a fable. It is accessible in that students of that age not only understand language of the book, but also can read on their own or with limited help. Students of that age could easily pick out the characteristics that would make this book a fable. It could be used with 2nd or 3rd graders as an example of a fable for them to use as inspiration when they write their own fable.
Despite its simplicity, this story contains elements of traditional literature, such as 2 dimensional characters, personified animals, and a moral.
I would use this book as an introduction to traditional literature in kindergarten and 1st grade. Because it retains the characteristics of a typical fable, I think this book is a really good example of a fable. It is accessible in that students of that age not only understand language of the book, but also can read on their own or with limited help. Students of that age could easily pick out the characteristics that would make this book a fable. It could be used with 2nd or 3rd graders as an example of a fable for them to use as inspiration when they write their own fable.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews