Customer Reviews

Library Lion

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"Library Lion," written by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, has a timeless quality and moral appeal that will assure it's place in the future lists of classic storybooks for children.

When a lion shows up for storytime, Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, makes it clear that the lion can only stay if he follows the rules. That includes being quiet; in other words, No Roaring. The lion loves storytime and visits the library every day. He follows all the rules and even comes early to help Miss Merriweather. One day, though, something bad happens and the only way the lion can help is by making a great big roar. The sad lion leaves the library because he knows he has broken the rules. Finally, the lion learns that "sometimes there is a good reason to break the rules" and makes a joyous return to storytime at the library.

Knudsen's character development is superb. In just a few short sentences, we "know" Miss Merriweather, her assistant Mr. McBee, and a lion who never says a word. Hawke's illustrations are just as exceptional. The pictures, in their soft, muted tones, provide rich scenery and abundant expression. You can easily see everyone's surprise to see a lion in the library, the lion's happiness to be helping in the library, and the lion's sadness when he thinks he cannot return to the library.

A visit to the library produces heartfelt lessons in following (and not following) rules in the endearing tale "Library Lion." I highly recommend "Library Lion."

Rules are very important, especially in libraries. Miss Merriweather knows all about library rules, and she likes to make sure everyone follows them. When a lion strolls into the building one day, she isn't sure what to do. No one else knows what to do either.

The lion turns out to be very helpful. He is quiet now that he knows not to roar inside, he is warm and soft for story hour, and he likes to help Miss Merriweather with things like licking envelopes and dusting shelves. The lion proves to be very good at following the rules--until Miss Merriweather takes a nasty tumble. What will happen to the lion when he breaks to rules to help her out?

In this charming storybook, children will learn that rules are to be followed, but sometimes it's okay to go against them if it's an emergency. The message is presented in a non-frightening manner that will warm children's hearts. Although Miss Merriweather is hurt, we know she will be okay, and her sense of duty remains in tact ("No running!").

We also learn that jealousy can cause problems. The library assistant, Mr. McBee, doesn't care for all the attention the lion has taken from him, and the consequences are laid out when he ignores the lion's pleas for help.

This is a wonderful book. It may well be a classic one day, and it should go into your library today.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
10/26/2006

Michelle Knudsen's Library Lion is the new favorite of my three children (4, 6, 7). I have read this book out loud THREE times in the past week; they like it better every time! I'm starting to know it by heart. The illustrations are remarkable, and the story has a classic feel--warm and sweet. Makes me remember my own childhood when my father used to read to me.

If an important part of your growing up has been reading, you realize there are many people to thank. Author Michelle Knudsen is saying 'thanks' with her (2006) story about Library Lion, and her story is welcomed by hundreds of children plus many adult readers.

An Ithaca (NY) connection (such as the author's) defines a special person according to reviewer mcHaiku. My first library experience was in Ithaca (1931) just a block south of home with only Court Street to cross, an important consideration at age five. Some of us never outgrow our love of children's books and are protective of the memories they conjure up. We remember with gratitude the stability and encouragement found at libraries like Ithaca's, and Petit Branch in Syracuse.

The Library Lion is destined to become an all-time favorite for it not only stirs the feel-good memories of childhood, it tweaks the funny bone of any who may recall a particular frown, or raised eyebrow when they were misbehaving in the stacks. There have been so many outstanding librarians in my family and life I thought that those negative remarks or film images were jokes.

This story is wonderful fun because it is written & illustrated with great affection. Miss Merriweather, the librarian, has her rules, and her assistant Mr. McBee loves to enforce them. The lion's helpfulness extends to licking envelopes containing overdue notices, and he does that with galumptious fervor. Kevin Hawkes draws a wide gamut of human-like emotions in the Lion for adults and children to laugh over and discuss. Does one illustration hint that Ms. M 'has a thing' about McBee? So be it; these times call for sweet distractions, and moral lessons a la "Black Beauty." The lucky children hearing about Michelle Knudsen's "Library Lion" at storytime are on their way to building strong lifetime relationships with libraries everywhere. CHEERS all around!

The kids love this one and I must say I do too. This is a simple story of a lion who when to the library. It is funny, well written and the illustrations are some of the best I have seen in sometime now. I have yet to have a child that did not like and enjoy this one. Even the non readers like it read to them and enjoy the pictures. The text matches the illustrations perfectly and their is an actual story to follow. Recommend this one highly.

The Library Lion is a pure pleasure to read. Ms. Knudsen presents an endearing story and Mr. Hawkes has crafted lovely illustrations. The Library Lion is an excellent choice for any library, public or private, and any reader, young or old.

This book is wonderful. The writing is intelligent and witty and the drawings are superb. The author has certainly captured the spirit of a library. I bought this for a 5 year old but I enjoyed it so much I had to share it with a 44 year old and an 11 yearold.

What a wonderful book! I read it a couple of times before I gave it to a child. I wasn't sure I wanted to part with it. The illustrations are terrific and the story is a perfect fantasy made real.

It has a shy hero (the Lion), an authority figure (the Librarian) and a villain (the library assistant) -- or we could just call him uninformed and unimaginative. The children and the Story Lady are there in the background, taking everything in, as are the readers/listeners.

When I did give it to a 4 1/2-year-old who loves to be read to, he loved it, too. So did his less-dreamy and constantly-in-motion twin. This has quickly become one of their favorites, and will probably stand the test of time until they can read it themselves.

While the story may be a bit predictable, the illustrations make you identify with and love these characters. The lion is one of the sweetest characters this year in children's picture books. I loved him from start to finish! You will laugh, and if you cry at that coffee add during the holidays (you know, the one where the little girl's brother comes home and makes coffee to wake the family up) you may even feel a small lump in your throat. But rest assured, you will be smiling at the end!

This book, in the tradition of McCloskey's "Make Way For Ducklings" or Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are," is set to become a classic. The story is sweet and the illustrations are brilliant. Every page can be studied [by old and young alike] and enjoyed: the illustrations are full of humor and drama that enhances the storyline, as is so typical of the talented Kevin Hawkes. I highly recommend this books for any grandparent or parent who enjoys reading--and discovering--with their child. And it goes without saying that this book is a must-have for every library in the country!