Der Löwe und die Maus.

by Bernadette, Aesop

A tiny mouse helps a mighty lion, who had once showed him mercy, escape from a trap.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Folklore

Hardcover

First published February 1, 1980

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated version of an Aesop's Fable. Children would have a wonderful time finding and name all the animals in the illustrations. Also teaches a wonderful lessons that no matter how small or mighty, we can always find ways to help one another.

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bernadette Watts retells the classic Aesop fable, in which a mouse offends a young lion (in this version a cub). The lion extends mercy to the mouse, who promises to repay the favor someday. The lion laughs at the thought that someone so small could make a difference for himself, but many years later he is caught in a trap and the mouse is able to free him.

Watts' interpretation is illustrated with gentle colors and a serene mood, even though the characters' lives hang in the balance. The traditional moral, "Don't underestimate what even the smallest person can do" is incorporated into the lion's promise to never again laugh at someone weaker than himself. He also promises to protect the mouse, an offer not included in Aesop's pithy original.

All in all, this story isn't bad, but if you're going to take liberties with a classic plot, you ought to do it boldly. Watts' illustrations are pleasant, but a little old-fashioned, and the tale just isn't as exciting as it had the potential to be. Still, if you're trying to teach the fable to an audience which needs a visual anchor, and you can't find a copy of Jerry Pinkney's resplendent wordless version The Lion & the Mouse, or you just don't like to read wordless books aloud, this one might do the trick.

A modern twist on the old plot is available in Amos & Boris, William Steig's tale of friendship between a mouse and a whale.

[Ashleigh Frankel · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading the fable "The Lion and the Mouse", I learned the valuable meaning of friendship. The lion and mouse represent how looks can be deceiving. People judge others based on their looks. Referring to this book specifically, the lion tries to eat the mouse because it is much smaller than him. However, the lion learns that the mouse was more help than he thought. The mouse gnaws away at the rope that's tying the lion up and frees him. The lion never thought that someone so different from him could be so useful and a lifelong friend. If it wasn't for the mouse, the lion would've remained trapped. This fable also teaches that you shouldn't underestimate anyone. The weirdest person could be the nicest person and you wouldn't know unless you looked beyond their exterior appearance. I, personally, liked this fable because it teaches children to never judge a book by its cover and that it is a very important lesson to keep with you throughout life. I am a huge fan of Aesop fables because it has the ability to convey a message on a broad, complex topic using simple words that most kids will be able to understand.

[Reily Riemersma]

The Lion and the Mouse is about a young mouse that comes across the paw of a very ferocious lion. The mouse pleas to have the lion let him go and for his gratitude he will return the favor in the future. Although the lion laughs about the thought of a little mouse helping a big strong lion as himself, he lets him go.
This is a classic story of the best things in life come unexpected. When the lion least expects it, the mouse comes and saves the day. This is very relatable to life when sometimes you need help, and the help you receive comes from one of the most unexpected people, or places. I Have had this before when I needed a math tutor and all my friends that I asked to help me were busy, but a girl who I had only talked to once, offered her gratitude and helped me. I was very thankful. The fact that this story has almost no words makes you appreciate the illustrations even more. The detail within the lion from page to page is very well done. This is a story you could read to a young child who maybe is just too young to read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine retelling of the fable with the characters given greater depth. Lush illustrations.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a hot summer day a lion cub was taking a nap, to his surprise he was awoken by a mouse who ran across his paw. The lion spared the mouse’s life and in return the mouse said that she would help the lion if he was ever in need, the lion thought this was funny because he didn’t think he a mouse could help a lion because they are so small. One day, when the lion was a big adult, he fell into a trap none of the animals in the day or the night could save the lion until the mouse came. She started nibbling at the net and created a hole big enough for the lion to escape through because the mouse saved the lion he apologized and promised to keep her safe and they remained friends till the end of their lives.

This picture book has a clear theme that kindness will conquer all, if you are kind to someone, they will also be kind to you in return, there is also a theme that you should not judge someone’s abilities based on their size.

While reading this book I felt happy that the lion spared the mouse’s life, but I was also sad because he did not accept her kindness, but instead the lion laughed at the mouse when she tried to repay him. I was relieved when the mouse came to the lion’s rescue and am happy with the ending of the book because the lion and mouse end up becoming lifelong friends and the lion learns to not judge someone based on their appearance or size.

I would highly recommend this book in children’s classrooms and homes because it not only teaches children to not judge one another based on appearance but it also teaches children to be kind to one another even if one person may be mean at first. Kindness should always be the answer and if someone is kind to you then you also should be kind to them in return.

[Bailey McKellip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: The Lion and the Mouse
Author/Illustrator: Bernadette Watts
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 3.1
Summary: A young lion cub meets a mouse and learns a valuable lesson about kindness.

Bookshelf Mentor Writing Trait:
Idea: This book has a heartwarming theme about kindness and not judging others by their physical appearance. Bernadette Watts writes a clear topic that is developed throughout the story with supportive details building to the resolution of the story when the mouse proves to the lion that even the littlest of people can surprise you and be heroes. This story also uses organization as a writing trait and is easy to follow and fits together logically to end with a sense of resolution.

I would use this book in the classroom to encourage students to make predictions. After reading the first couple of pages, I would pause and ask students to predict what will happen with the Lion and the Mouse in the story. Another activity that I would use in the classroom with this fable is to encourage students to create their own fractured fairytale of this storyline. Students will have fun bringing this story to the 21st century with their own spin on the characters.

[Sarah Gerow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: This story is about a mouse and a lion. The lion is asleep on afternoon, when a mouse awakes him from a nap. The mouse is very sorry for waking the lion and tells him that he will one day repay him. The lion laughs because what mouse could help a big lion like himself. Will the mouse be able to help the lion out ? Will the lion end up eating the mouse?
Genre: Fable, Fiction, Folklore
Guided Reading Level: K
Awards: n/a
Title of the young adult literature companion book: Tangerine by Edward Bloor
Literary Connection: The mouse become a memorable character in this text as the reader is sure that something as small as a mouse will never be able to help out a big lion. Just like in Tangerine, no one thinks that Paul Fisher will be able to play softball because he is visual impaired. He is able to show everyone just like the mouse does that the underdog can win.

[Scott Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Lion and The Mouse: An Aesop Fable Retold
Author: Bernadette Watts
Awards:N/A

Summary: The Lion and the Mouse is a fable that emphasizes concepts of mercy and that being small is does not mean that one cannot do great things. Both are excellent lessons and great conversation starters for early readers.


Review / Application: This story is an excellent addition to a study of the Fable Genre. The Lion and the Mouse is a story intended to teach a moral lesson. Additionally, it may be used to explore the introduction of cause and effect relationships for Kindergartners and 1st graders; starting from a simple one cause has one effect visual flow chart. Both concepts are excellent tools to provide a K-2 classroom group.

[Sarah Balmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional Fantasy
Grades P-2
This retold tale of the classic Aesop fable was just as fun and creative as the original. I love the way this story mixes two unlikely partners together and they work together to form a friendship that helps them both survive. This story is fun and great for storytelling, and would be great to have students in a classroom act out, maybe even giving them twizzler candy to remind them of the rope and how we can help one another out with our own gifts and abilities. This story is a classic for a reason and I think has a lot to offer deeper than surface level, which could be used in a classroom or in your home.

[Kiyoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

The classic tale, starting with the lion as a young cub when he meets the mouse, which is a nice extra detail for the intended audience. Other than that, the story is exactly the same.
I really didn't care for the artwork of this book. The face of the roaring lion, caught in the net, is distorted and unrealistic, appearing more like an oversize mouse than a lion, with a mouse-like curve to the tail and misshapen mouth.
3 stars

[Jennifer Ruvalcaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional Literature
Grade Level: Preschool-2
I loved the moral of this story because it teaches children no matter how big or little you are, you can make a difference. It compare the king of the jungle,a loin, to a small innocent mouse. I liked how it also involved other animals trying to help but the only animal that can really help was the mouse.

[Emily Knickerbocker]

The mouse is caught by the lion, but the lion lets go when the mouse says I can help you one day if you let me go. The lion laughs because he doesn't believe him, but one day the lion finds himself in trouble and the mouse saves him. I would have my students write the moral of the story.

[Joy Cronje · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter says to give this one ten stars.

[SM R]

This retelling of the famous Aesop''s Fable is well written and enjoyable. The illustrations were really good.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the drawings! This is fun.

[Leah Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Lion and the Mouse" is a classic about an unlikely friendship between a lion and a tiny mouse. One day, the lion decides to spare the mouse’s life instead of eating it. The mouse promises to repay him, but the lion laughs. The lion thought, what could such a small creature possibly do for him? Later, when the lion gets trapped in a hunter’s net, the mouse comes to the rescue, chewing through the ropes and setting him free. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. This story is perfect for grades 3-7 because younger kids will enjoy the animal characters and the quick, engaging plot, while older students can dive deeper into the story’s lessons about kindness, humility, and gratitude. The main themes in this story are compassion, gratitude, and the idea that strength isn’t just about power, it’s about character. Lastly, I picked this book because it’s an easy, engaging read that helps kids understand the importance of treating others with respect, no matter how big or small they are.

[Yanel Plata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with cubs who are out in the wilderness with their parents, it seems to be a sunny day out so the cubs are growing tired. One particular cub isn’t as tired as the rest of the cubs, so he decides to rest under some shade a little ways from the other cubs and his parents. A small mouse stubbles upon the cub and awakens him, he sees how small and fragile the mouse is. So he tells the mouse to go on and that he won’t hurt her, the mouse is very grateful and therefore tells the cub that she will repay the cub when he needs help. The cub laughs at the mouse and tells her that when he gets older he will grow to become bigger and stronger, he will not need the little mouse’s help. As time goes by the cub grows up and sure enough he is bigger and smaller. Unfortunately one day he is caught in a trap, all the animals go but cannot seem to help them. The very next morning the mouse shows up and at that point something happens that the lion becomes grateful towards the mouse.

I would classify this book as traditional literature because it obtains the aspects of traditional literature and fable as well. It is fable because it is a brief story with animal characters. There is also a clear moral and lesson to this story. The lion underestimated the mouse all because the mouse was small and looked fragile. When the lion was caught in the trap none of the other animals could help it. The lion was trapped for an entire day until the mouse found her way to him; she told him she would help him as she promised years ago. The lion responded to her that no one would be able to help him and least of all her. Sure enough the mouse proved the lion wrong and she saved him by nibbling through the cords on the net and setting him free. After that they became friends and the lion promised the mouse that he would always protect. The moral of this story is to not judge someone based upon there physical appearances. The lion judged the mouse because she was small but at the end the mouse ended up saving the lion proving that even a big lion can be helpless and a small mouse can be strong.

[Brittany Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a folklore. The age range for this story would be 4-9. This book is about a young cub who meets a mouse and spares him his life by not eating him and setting him free. The little mouse told the young cub that he will repay the favor one day to the lion but the lion said he didn't need his help because the mouse was far to small. Later on though the lion gets trapped in net and the mouse has to chew threw the rope to set the lion free. I rated this book five stars. I did this because the story teaches children that small friends can turn out to be great friends. This book also shows that doing something for someone regardless of their size can result in an ever lasting friendship. I believe this book is appealing to young readers because it draws the readers attention along the way. First by the mouse stepping over the lions paw and than by the lion getting trapped in the net and seeing who comes to set him free. Also, the illustrations watching the cub transform into a lion are excellent. When using this book with children I would read it to them and than have them make a list of people older or younger than them that they can help out everyday when they need it. I would also have them a pen pal in a grade lower than them that way they have a friend who is younger. Therefore if the younger one ever needs anything they can help them or vise versa. also, this will help them build a friendship.

[Jay Werner · Rating 2 out of 5]

• What did you think of the book?
• Is this book appropriate for the age group it’s intended for? Why or why not?
• Is it a good representative book for the genre it’s listed under? Why or why not?
• How would you use this book with children?
• Include these and any other thoughts you think appropriate.
I enjoyed reading this book. I believe the book is a good read for children above the age of six. The concept of the book can be hard to grasp in children younger than that. I would use the book to help children understand that no matter the size or strength of another that everyone can be helpful. I think that this book would be a good tool to use if a bullying situation arose in young children. The book had great illustrations, but at times it was hard to find the mouse in the pictures.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork was simple and pleasant, and the colors were mild. The storyline is based on one of Aesop’s fables. It keeps the child’s attention. The story can be enjoyed by almost any child of any age group. The storyline is standing the test of time because it is still being enjoyed today. The vocabulary targets the pre-school child. The story is a classic and can be used to discuss the golden rule: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This is a great book to start teaching this rule. I can discuss with my class, actions and words that would follow this rule. This book is a great representation of its genre and it is for the most part flawless.

[Ali Lutz]

As a strong believer in karma this was the perfect fable for me to read. When one does something good or bad to another, in some shape or form they will have something good or bad happen to them. If I had a classroom we would most likely read this book the first week of school to explain the importance of good karma and how we want to try and do nice things for others to build up our positive karma happening. I would probably of around the room and ask students to remember a time when they were kind to another and then ask if after that happened they had something good happen in their lives.

[Ashley Correll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a lion who spares a little mouse's life by the mouse telling him, "if you spare my life, i might be able to help you out one day". The lion thinks its soo funny that this mouse thinks he could help out the "King of Beasts". Anyways, he lets the mouse go. At the end of the story, Lion ends up getting caught in a net by hunters. The little mouse runs over and saves the lion by chewing through the rope. Do unto others as they've done to you :)

[Susannah Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is absolutely incredible in every way. The illustrations are so vivid, detailed, and bright that immediately grasp the readers attention. There are barely any words in this book, so it was up to the pictures to tell the story. In my opinion, they did just that and more. The moral of this story is one that children and adults should take to heart. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages.

[Kristin Arens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fable is like most of Aesop's. It has a fun story line with a good message at the end. The friendly characters make it entertaining for children, but also teaches them something. The same goes for about any fable I suppose. Most people have heard this story at some time in their life, I believe. I certainly heard it many times when I was younger, but it was still a nice reminder to help others because you never know how it may help you in your future.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could introduce the disscusion of fabels into a classroom. This is a godd read aloud story that many students seem to stay engaged in. I have seen this book read to a kindergarten grade classroom and it was a sucess when introducing this topic.

[Nicole Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the way the Lion shows mercy for the little mouse. This book is great for students that think they are too small to do any thing. Little people can do GREAT things.

[Christy Hathcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic fable tale that teaches the great lesson that no one is too small or insignificant to be of help. This is an important lesson for every teacher to learn because everyone in their classroom can add a great deal.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every child should read this fable--it's message is timely.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful retelling of the classic Aesop fable with a little twist. I love the illustrations.