A Hungry Lion, or, A Dwindling Assortment of Animals

A diverse group of animals, gathered together with a hungry lion, gradually begin to dwindle in number in this humorous picture-book. Have they disappeared into the lion's stomach, as seems likely at first, or is something else responsible for their departure? If the latter, does this signal a happy ending, or is another surprise in store...?

With its pointed and very sharp sense of humor, this debut from Lucy Ruth Cummins reminded me of the work of Jon Klassen, which is fitting, as Klassen's recommendation can be found on the back cover of A Hungry Lion. I enjoyed the surprises here, and the way that the author continually misleads the reader, but suspect that more sensitive young people may not like the conclusion of the tale. I show more recommend that parents proceed with caution, reading this one first, before giving it to younger children, just to make sure it will suit them. The artwork, done in brush marker, gouache, graphite, charcoal and colored pencil, is absolutely charming, somehow managing to look hastily scribbled and skillfully done all at the same time. It looks very simple, but somehow manages to communicate a real sense of motion, and to capture its characters' various states of emotion. Recommended to anyone who enjoys picture-book fare of the slightly less-than-sweet variety. show less

I've been waiting eagerly to get my hands on this book - I'm always up for some eating animals action (-:).

"Once upon a time there was a hungry lion" the book begins, and then lists all the other adorable animals surrounding him. Oh wait, that's not quite right. Let's try listing those animals again. And again. And... where did everybody go? Surprise! Of course the lion didn't eat them all! It's a party! Um....they're going to eat the cake, right? Well....maybe not....

Call it my warped sense of humor, but I thought this book was hilarious. There are quite a few "a hungry animal is going to eat you no wait it's just a party" books and it's refreshing to see this one with it's triple-twist and giggle-worthy ending. The popularity of show more Klassen's Hat trilogy shows that kids will enjoy this kind of dry, slightly gruesome humor and hilarity is sure to ensue in your storytimes. Cummins' bright, colorful illustrations features an adorable assortment of animals - and a stoic lion with a glare that fits his naughty personality perfectly.

Verdict: Kindergarten and first grade will laugh hysterically over this book, as well as request multiple readings so they can catch all the details. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781481448895; Published 2016 by Atheneum; Purchased for the library show less

Oh. Oh my goodness. Read [b:A Hungry Lion, or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals|25785644|A Hungry Lion, or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals|Lucy Ruth Cummins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1452817600s/25785644.jpg|45636363] yourself before reading with your child. Then keep a poker face while reading. Then be ready to discuss!

I love it. Technically, it's not my kind of book, but the theme is actually valid, and the particular kind of humor is one that a lot of little kids really appreciate.

Isn't there an old saying about a leopard not being able to change his spots? And wise advice about being true to yourself? *Of course* the lion is not going to be domesticated just because the small animals throw a party for him.

I need to have show more my husband and young adult sons read this. show less

A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals
by Lucy Ruth Cummins
ISBN 978-1-4714-4889-5. Atheneum Books, 2016.

A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals delivers the twist readers expected, and one they didn't. In her debut as an author-illustrator, Lucy Ruth Cummins leads readers along as a narrator struggles to introduce a group of animals. In the opening spread, it seems this introduction is successful as a group of 14 animals is described in both text and accompanying illustrations. With the first page turn, Cummins introduces the first element of metafiction as the narrator asks the reader to "Hold On," a trend that will continue throughout the book as the group begins to dwindle, thwarting the narrator’s attempts show more to tell the story. Suspense builds as the question arises, where are those animals going? The reader can't help but look to the hungry lion.

Despite being the only predator animal in the group, the lion is illustrated in a way that is not overtly threatening. Even once the question of threat is introduced to the reader and the lion’s appearance is slightly altered with each page, his fanged mouth remains arranged into a smile. The lion isn't alone in smiling, either, contributing to the reader’s trust in the lion and the building mystery behind the dwindling group. Though the illustrations are drawn without much refinement, each animal is easily identifiable and holds individual charm. Lap-readers will undoubtedly enjoy finding and pointing out these illustrations as they follow along.

The suspense is finally relieved when the reader learns that the lion was, in fact, not eating the missing animals, but they were sneaking away to set up a surprise party for the hungry lion - complete with cake! The narrator is finally able to introduce the group of animals who are now happily enjoying the party when Cummins begins to introduce a series of plot twists. These twists may be a bit macabre for some but they are undoubtedly what make this book special. Readers will appreciate the twists away from the expected avoidance of dark truths, and parents will appreciate the playful way they are approached.

Review by Rebecca Evans show less

I think older elementary kids enjoy when picture books have a streak of dark humor. A hungry lion is ready to celebrate ... but his cute little animal friends keep disappearing. What could be happening to them? Witty, a little bit meta, and very funny.

"Once upon a time there was a very hungry lion and some adorable little animals." I think you can see where this one is going. It may not end well for everyone, but you'll be in for a few surprises! Darkly funny.

Not for very young or very timid children. A sense of humor is a must. I loved it.)

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A humorous tale (with interruptions), about a lion and a 'dwinding assortment of animals'. Dark humour will engage young children with a lovely twisty ending.