Andy and the Lion

Originally published in 1938, and awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1939 - the medal-winner that year was Thomas Handforth's Mei Li - this charming picture-book follows the story of Andy, a lion-obsessed young boy who has an unexpected encounter with his favorite subject. Checking out a book about lions from the library one day, Andy is so engrossed that he reads through dinner, listening to his grandfather's stories of hunting lions in the evening. On his way to school the very next day, Andy happens upon a lion in need of help, and goes to his assistance, forming a friendship that stands the test of time, when the lions returns much later, as part of a circus act...

I was reminded here, both by the story and by its subtitle - "A Tale of show more Kindness Remembered or the Power of Gratitude" - of the Aesopic fable of Androcles and the Lion, with the boy doing the lion a kindness, and then being ecstatically greeted (and not harmed) by the lion in turn. This one is a little long for a picture-book - it is divided up into very brief chapters, or parts - but for slightly older picture-book audiences, I think it will be a winner. The story is engaging (and emphasizes the importance of the library!), and the artwork, done in black and white with brown accents, is exuberant and full of fun. Recommended to young readers who enjoy animal stories! show less

Like others of you, I have mixed feelings. I liked it as a boys' fantasy, written back in the day, and actually believe it has a bit of an *anti* hunting message. (I believe the same of another controversial Caldecott book, [b:The Biggest Bear|1800287|The Biggest Bear|Lynd Ward|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348786731l/1800287._SX50_.jpg|592333]).

I liked the structure, the way a reader is pushed to turn the pages by each interrupted sentence - sort of a cliffhanger idea. I like the three 'acts' that give it a classical story arc. After I got used to the all-capital 'shouting' font, I decided I liked it... after all, those letters are all hand-drawn! I liked the very lively pictures, full of show more extreme motion.

I did have trouble with full suspension of disbelief. I could not get used to Andy's chubby cheeks - to me it looked like he had mumps! I liked the different perspectives from the different grownups... well, I didn't like that Andy's parents were so very perturbed the boy was reading through dinner, but then, even in my family of avid readers we were expected to put the book down and have a family dinner together....
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Reread. Gave it another star because I just finished [a:George Bernard Shaw|5217|George Bernard Shaw|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1271683549p2/5217.jpg]'s [b:Androcles and the Lion|1230072|Androcles and the Lion|George Bernard Shaw|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542728212l/1230072._SY75_.jpg|1218646] and I am feeling in a generous mood about anything connected in any way to that. I easily overlooked what I did not like about the art this time, too. show less

I love this book. It's a great retelling of the fable of Androcles and the Lion--already a good reason to read it--but it's also beautifully paced for a read-aloud, and is full of fresh, funny details, like Andy's convenient back-pocket pliers, and the way the characters tumble head-over-heels as the thorn is taken from the paw. The book was first published in 1938, but my first graders were charmed.

Confession: I've always avoided this book because the copy in my library is old and ugly. When I read it, however, I realized it was familiar from childhood!

Resolution: Buy a fresh copy! I love the way the storyline pauses for a page turn at various points - an inventive way to add tension and keep pictures perfectly matched to the action. This will make a fun read aloud.

Illustrations are black line drawing with orange wash. Figures are sketched in a rounded style.

Primary. One day a young boy named Andy gets a book about lions from the library and reads it continually throughout the rest of the day. Before bed his grandfather tells him stories of hunting lions in Africa and as Andy sleeps that night he dreams of hunting lions. The next day as Andy is on his way to school he ends up helping a lion with a splinter. Later that summer Andy goes to the circus and the largest lion sprints into the crowd towards him. It turns out to be his friend that he helped so Andy convinces the people not to hurt his friend the lion and gets to lead the town parade. Andy and the lion return the book together the next day. I would use this book as away to teach kids about the importance of researching things we show more like. Or what happens when we are kind and grateful. show less

This is a retelling of a fable you've probably heard before - it's about a lion who gets a thorn stuck in his paw and the little boy who helps him pull it out. The illustrations are interesting - I especially like the image of Andy and his little dog asleep in front of the fire. Andy, however, seems to vary from very young to adult-sized in the drawings - greater consistency would have been nice. The tale has a good message about friendship and helping others - but it's definitely not preachy. I think it'd be a good storytime book, but kids might be put off by the old-fashioned illustrations.

While walking to school one day, Andy meets a lion and soon makes a new friend. A tale of gratitude and helping out our neighbors, children of all ages will love this retelling of the classic folktale "Androcles and the Lion."