The Lion and the Mouse (Step-Into-Reading, Step 1) [Paperback]

Gail Herman (Author), Lisa McCue (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Step into Reading

"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.  

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?Herman uses a controlled vocabulary of less than 45 words to retell the familiar Aesop's fable about helping others. McCue's realistic illustrations fill the pages with color and effectively enhance the text. Beginning readers will be able to read this independently after hearing it just once or twice. A good choice, especially for youngsters who love stories that show the smallest creature saving the day.?Sharon R. Pearce, formerly at San Antonio Public Library, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 1. This colorful reader from the Early Step into Reading series retells one of Aesop's fables. A powerful lion catches a mouse, who begs the beast to free him. In return, he says, he will someday help the lion. Amused, the lion frees the mouse. Part 2 begins with these simple words: "Big Lion. Big net. Big, big trouble." The trapped lion roars, bringing the mouse, who chews through the net and sets him free. With watercolor illustrations as simple and dramatic as the tale, this book tells a classic story in a form accessible to young children. A good choice for libraries looking for classic tales easy enough for beginning readers. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679886745
• ISBN-13: 978-0679886747
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.2 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Greek & Roman
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Children's Books
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > General

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Early Reader; One of My Favorites, December 31, 2010

By 

goonius (a room in a house on a street in a city just like any other.) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Lion and the Mouse (Step-Into-Reading, Step 1) (Paperback)

We bought this, amid a slew of others for our four-year old daughter as she was learning to read. We have this classic Aesop's tale in a longer format, and it's one I've always been fond of, and I rather hoped that the brevity of an early reader variation wouldn't spoil it.

The pleasant surprise is that this story, with far fewer words, a much simpler selection of words than most other variations, and a fair amount of repetition, is absolutely as sweet and enjoyable as any other I've read. Perhaps more so. The story is carried beautifully by the illustrations. Though I am not always a fan of McCue's art, it is spot on in this case.

And of course, my daughter can -- and does read this book by herself. It's a great thrill to hear her reading to her younger sister as while we're out running errands or are making the hour-long trek to grandma's house. These books have become car-time favorites.

In short, I highly recommend this book -- and others in this series. They really are a great tool for introducing children to reading and building confidence in their newfound literary skills.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, December 16, 2009

By 

Jessica Steuer (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Lion and the Mouse (Step-Into-Reading, Step 1) (Paperback)

This book is the first book that my son ever read on his own & it will forever be in my memories. It is truly a level 1 book & all the words are able to be sounded out. It is a great book for a beginner, has 2 "chapters" so kids feel like they read a big-kid book, and it teaches a lesson about kindness. I highly recommend this book to other beginning readers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Book for Beginning Readers that Conveys a Wonderful Story, October 10, 2008

By 

Martha J. Hicks "Martha Hicks" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lion and the Mouse (Step-Into-Reading, Step 1) (Paperback)

This gem of a book is my favorite at this level in the Step-Into-Reading series. With simple wording -- perfect for a preschooler or a child learning to read -- The Lion and the Mouse, captures the main elements of the traditional fable. It is a story for which the expression 'sure to delight young and old alike' truly fits. Many books for beginning readers lack substance and can make reading boring. However, this meaningful story gives children an opportunity to not only be successful in reading, but to experience the joy of reading. You can't go wrong in choosing this one!