The Time of the Lion

by Caroline Pitcher, Jackie Morris (Illustrator)

RWI Comprehension is the next step in developing children's composition and writing skills once they have become confident readers. Children work through the 30 weekly modules, specially written to link reading and writing activities to carefully levelled texts. Each of the 16 children's books listed have an accompanying module with activities which provide practice in reading, writing and spelling, and consolidate the pupils' knowledge through comprehension and guided composition. The illustrated children's books that accompany 16 of the Comprehension modules can all be purchased from Oxford University Press in the same way as the module packs.

Genres: Picture Books, Africa, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful paintings in this children's story book are of an Africa of starry skies and vast, golden savannahs. The accompanying story is simple, characterising the lion as wise and the protector of small boys. It's a book guaranteed to appeal to little ones and to any art lover. It isn't a cheap book, so it would make a lovely gift, especially with an inscription from the giver. It is very much the sort of book that we all had as children and kept into adulthood.

Here is a link to some of the pictures.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time of the lion is a story about a boy who creates this unbreakable bond with the lion across the savannah. The lion protects joseph from the other animals in the savannah. However, there comes a time when Joesph has to protect the lion and his pride from poachers. This is a beautiful story about the importance of saving our wildlife.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story, and think it teaches children a very powerful message - humans are the most dangerous animals of all.

The story is about a young boy, Joseph, who defies his father and goes out to find a lion. The bond he forms with this lion is truly inspirational, with them both protecting each other. Then one day, traders come and want to buy small lion cubs. Joseph and his father rescue the lion cubs and hide them from the traders, so that the lion family can reunite at the end of the story.

This story provides an age-accessible way of teaching children the dangers that humanity can pose to wild animals such as lions, and that we need to respect wild animals.

The illustrations are really bold and interesting, with lots of intricate details to explore.

I will definitely read this with KS1 and KS2 children, as I think the message is so powerful.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this tale set in Africa, a boy, Joseph, befriends a lion, but keeps it a secret. All summer Joseph spends with the lion, his lioness, and their cubs. Then traders come to the village, wanting to capture lion cubs to sell. How can Joseph protect the cubs, and will his father help the traders? Read and find out! What I really loved about this book was the illustrations, large two-page spreads, broad as the savannahs being depicted. I especially like the pictures of the savannah at night, with the stars twinkling overhead in the deep blue sky. My only disappointment with this book was that the author didn't include a note about how she came to write this story, whether it's based on a folktale, or if she traveled to Africa. That, I suspect, would be just as enjoyable to read about as this book. With its themes of loyalty to friends, and trying to do what you feel is right, this book could stir up some interesting discussion in a classroom setting. Recommended!

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book both for its slightly-abstract illustrations and its embellishments that imitate African decorative art. The idea of sleeping with lions is magical, and the danger of traders stealing the cubs to sell adds tension, but I don't think the conclusion that the boy is right and his father wrong will sit well with African readers.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the artist and got this book to see the art work. I read through the story and thought it was wonderful!

[Heidi]

Accidental duplicate listing.

[Mathew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is of a young boy who hears the calling of a lion whilst lying in bed. Ignoring the advise of his father, Joseph finds the lion and forms an unbreakable bond. In doing so, he must defend his new friend's cubs against the poachers and merchants who would seek to profit from them. The resolution is one which Joseph could not have forseen but is also an interesting message about the struggles that those communities who live alongside such a valuable commodity. As always, Jackie Morris's artwork is a wonderful, enchanting strength