About the Author

Jerry Pinkney (1939-2021) was one of the most heralded children's book illustrators of all time and illustrated more than 100 books. He had the rare distinction of being the recipient of five Caldecott Honors and the winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal for The Lion and the Mouse, and created several companion books: The Tortoise & the Hare, The Grasshopper & the Ants, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and The Little Mermaid. He won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award five times and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor four times. Jerry received several major lifetime achievement awards and was also the first children's book illustrator elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He lived with his wife, author Gloria Jean Pinkney, in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

Reviews

Praise for The Lion and the Mouse: A New York Times Bestseller2010 Caldecott Medal WinnerScholastic Parent & Child Magazine 100 Greatest Books for KidsScholastic Parent & Child Magazine Most Beautifully Illustrated

* "A nearly wordless exploration of Aesop's fable of symbiotic mercy that is nothing short of masterful... Unimpeachable."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "By retelling Aesop's fable entirely in his signature pencil and watercolor art, Pinkney encourages closer exploration of the pleasing detail with which he amplifies it... It will be a challenge for libraries to make every gorgeous surface available, but it's a challenge worth taking on."--The Horn Book, starred review

* "Pinkney enriches this classic tale of friendship with another universal theme - family - affectingly illustrated in several scenes as well as in the back endpapers... African species grace splendid panoramas that balance the many finely detailed, closeup images of the protagonists. Pinkney has no need for words; his art speaks eloquently for itself."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Pinkney's luminous art, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, suggests a natural harmony... The ambiguity that results from the lack of words in this version allows for a slower, subtle, and ultimately more satisfying read. Moments of humor and affection complement the drama. A classic tale from a consummate artist."--School Library Journal, starred review

"A child will get lost in the illustrations and grow old with this beauty."--Verily Magazine

"A delightful, old-fashioned version of the tale. With lively detail...the pictures reflect the danger and coziness, and are just right for their preschool audience."--Booklist

"An attractive take on the familiar folktale, particularly appropriate for groups."--The Horn Book

"Here, Pinkney is audacious, courageous, or simply imaginative enough to retell the classic Aesop fable without text... As a master of the media, [he] handles pencil and transparent watercolors with added colored pencils to create naturalistic characters while avoiding the strictures of photorealism. This is a stunning tour de force."--Children's Literature

"This version of the familiar Aesop's fable--lushly illustrated and set in Africa's Serengeti region--offers a unique, and memorable, concluding twist."--The Washington Post