The Lion's Share [Hardcover]

Chris Conover (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Prince Leo discovers a new treasure -- books

When Prince Leo, a lion, is born with wings on his back, his father bellows, "Our son will go far!" It's not long before that declaration takes on a literal meaning. The day arrives when Leo flaps his wings and learns that flying is simple - but stopping is another story. Exhausted and far from home, he eventually crash-lands and is found by King Otto of the North, a bear who cares for Leo while he recovers. The best medicine of all turns out to be the books that are read to him - Leo's kingdom doesn't have books. When he's finally ready to return home - after taking flying and reading lessons - Leo will be bringing a wonderful treasure back with him. Chris Conover, with her large-scale, intricately detailed illustrations, has outdone herself.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Young Prince Leo II, a winged lion, grows up in his father's opulent palace with every luxury--ruby roses, silver rattles, trunks full of gold--but no books. Leo Golden Mane, Emperor of the Cats, had no need for books: "The emperor couldn't read or write, not even his own name, but he didn't care. When he roared, everyone jumped."

So imagine young Leo's surprise when he tries out his special blue-green wings and winds up not only in the paws of King Otto of the North, but in a huge library full of something he's never seen--books! Otto was rumored to have magnificent treasures lining his walls. But Leo soon discovers just how fantastic Otto's wealth truly is, when the avuncular bear opens up a storybook and begins to read aloud. When Leo wakes up the next day, his first words are "Please read me another story." It takes Leo a while to regain his strength and fly back home, but he learns to read... a skill that not only opens up his world but ends up forging an alliance between King Otto's kingdom and his father's.

Chris Conover, author and illustrator of many wonderful picture books, including Froggie Went A-Courting, creates magnificent illustrations to accompany this whimsical fairy tale about the power of reading. Young readers will want to spend hours poring over every regal detail. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-Emperor Leo Golden Mane, the ruler of a kingdom of illiterate cats, has a beloved infant son, Prince Leo II, a lion cub blessed with wings. He is raised in luxury, but without books or flying lessons. One day, when he simply stretches his wings and flies off, the inexperienced Leo crash-lands in a strange place ruled by King Otto of the North, a bear with an extensive library and a love of books. The enlightened and kindly Otto teaches little Leo to read and, with the help of an owl, to fly. The king then sends the young prince home with the gift of a storybook. With it, Prince Leo carries a letter proposing that their two kingdoms should henceforth be friends and that Leo should read to everyone. Thus, Prince Leo grows up to rule a land filled with books. The obvious joint metaphor of wings and reading lacks originality. A handsome empress is decorative but never named, highlighting a slightly odd, male-dominated imbalance. However, no one portrays animals in a more charming and expressive way than Conover. This generously formatted book filled with anthropomorphized creatures is a feast for the eyes. The cover showing the opulently attired emperor and his winged son is sure to attract readers. Unfortunately, the irresistible characters are not enough to lift this worthy but message-laden story.
Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Greenwich, CT
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); Frist Edition edition (April 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374399743
• ISBN-13: 978-0374399740
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,521,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A ROARING good book!, May 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lion's Share (Hardcover)

Once again, Chris Conover tells a wonderful story that captivates our children. As in her other books, there are always important lessons to be learned. The art work, of course, is exquisite. We eagerly await her next book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Lion's Share is an amazing book!, August 31, 2000

By 

Annette (Eastchester, N.Y. United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lion's Share (Hardcover)

Chris has written a tour de force. The pictures are carefully constructed and intelligently crafted and this book will enchant both children and adults. The story is fanciful and rich in verbal and visual beauty. There is an added factor, the story of Leo is a morality tale... Leo has learned to love and care deeply for books and that's an important message that parents and educators would like to impart to youngsters.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lion's Share For Caldecott, August 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lion's Share (Hardcover)

This book has the most beautiful illustrations. There is something new to see every time you re-read the book. The theme about the 2 kingdoms shring books is heart warming. Our story telling club has used this story and the kids love looking at it. We use puppets to act out the story. This is one book not to miss out on!