Androcles And The Lion [Hardcover]

Dennis Nolan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Androcles, a runaway slave, is befriended by a lion when he removes a huge thorn from its paw. For years the two live to-gether in the desert, until soldiers capture Androcles and are ordered to throw him to the beasts. Led into the grand arena, Androcles falls to his knees, accepting his fate, but then he looks into the eyes of the lion and recognizes his old friend. Amid cheers from the crowd, Androcles and the lion are set free. The earliest version of the well-known tale, Apion’s eyewitness account, is the source for this dramatic retelling.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3?A runaway slave, a ferocious lion, the barbarous entertainments of ancient Rome, and a random act of kindness combine in a fable that is as relevant today as it was 1950 years ago. This retelling of Androcles's flight from a cruel master into the Egyptian desert, his ministering to a wounded lion, and their resultant friendship derives its power from its succinct language and compelling illustrations. After Androcles is recaptured by Roman soldiers, the descriptions of the debauched emperor and the terror of Androcles as he awaits his horrible fate have an immediacy that makes this old story new again. His joy and relief when he is recognized in the arena by his old friend is palpable, especially as it follows a terrifying close-up of the lion in full roar. This version derives its veracity from its depiction of Androcles as a mature man, unlike Tom Paxton's Androcles and the Lion (Morrow, 1991) and Janet Stevens's Androcles and the Lion (Holiday, 1989), which feature younger, more exuberant protagonists. The cream-colored paper and golden-hued sketches with irregular borders resemble antique parchment. Nolan is equally adept at capturing the personalities of men and animals in his portraits. An appended author's note provides historical background and cites the source for this retelling. A solid addition to collections in need of a version more appealing to older readers.?Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJ
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

DENNIS NOLAN is an award-winning author and illustrator who has written and/or illustrated numerous works, including his first Golden Kite Honor Book, DINOSAUR DREAM (also a season’s choice in both Newsweek and The New Yorker), and whose artwork has been exhibited around the country. He lives near Northampton, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152033556
• ISBN-13: 978-0152033552
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tale of overcomng fear which is sure to stir up your imagination..., February 18, 2006

By 

Wabi Sabi "bona-fide bibliomaniac" (rural USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Androcles And The Lion (Hardcover)

Vividly realistic illustrations beckon you to read the story within. A story which has survived the ages...
Androcles and the Lion is an ancient story of a runaway slave who befriends a lion by showing courage and compassion. In return, the lion demonstrates loyalty and thankfulness. The true-to-life drawings are sure to convince readers that this story really did happen.

5.0 out of 5 stars Androcles and The Lion is thought-provoking, August 6, 2000

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Androcles And The Lion (Hardcover)

Dennis Nolan's sepia-tone illustrations & retelling of Apion's story is all about overcoming fear, from both a life as a slave & as supper for a lion. A great favorite of mine since childhood, made me think about slavery, aiding wounded animals & testing my courage. A though-provoking read, fodder for lots of questions. For my full review do check out [my website].