Library Lion
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Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do.
An affectionate storybook tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.
Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting.
His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore.
But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how.
Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.
About the Author & Illustrator:
Michelle Knudsen is a New York Times best-selling author of more than 45 books for young readers, including board books, picture books, early readers, and middle grade and young adult novels. Her best-known book to date is the award-winning picture book Library Lion, which has been translated into fourteen languages, is currently being performed as a musical stage production in Israel and South Africa, and was selected by Time Magazine as one of the Best 100 Children’s Books of All Time. Michelle also works as a freelance editor and writing teacher, and is a member of the Writing for Young People MFA faculty at Lesley University. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Kevin Hawkes (1959) was born in Sherman, TX to a creative family. There was a lot of music in his house, books, and homemade projects like toothpick constructions, paper mache’ pinatas, and wooden models. Kevin moved a lot when he was little and lived in Europe and many parts of the United States. In school, he was that quiet kid who liked to read. He also drew a lot. He liked to draw space ships, race cars, castles, and monsters. He didn’t like to draw cats or bicycles. Kevin studied illustration at Utah State University in Logan, UT and begin his publishing career in Boston. He has written and or illustrated over 50 picture and chapter books including Library Lion, a New York Times Bestseller. Kevin has won numerous awards for his illustrations including the Kate Greenaway Metal, National Jewish Book Award, Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award, Lupine Award and the Mazza Medellion for Excellence. He lives in Southern Maine.
A Few Reviews
“This story’s appealing premise is clear in the first sentence: “One day, a lion came to the library.” There’s the expected uproar as the lion pads through the stacks, but librarian Miss Merriweather only asks: “Is he breaking any rules?” The lion is not, and so he is allowed to stay. He makes himself useful and enjoys story hour until Miss Merriweather falls and breaks her arm. The lion roars for help, but his noise prompts a scolding from an uptight, oblivious staff member. The story falters a bit as it explores messages about rules and exceptions in a way that feels both purposeful and a bit convoluted. The warm friendships will easily draw interest, though, as will the handsome, nostalgic pencil-and-acrylic illustrations. Children will easily see themselves in the wild lion, which yearns to explore and enjoy the library but worries about the constraining rules.” – Booklist
“This story is filled with beautiful, touching illustrations which perfectly match the writing style, messages and theme of this book. It reinforces the joy of reading and going to the library for children or even introduces them to this important place that should be part of all children’s lives. The story and voice or feel of this story along with the illustrations holds the attention of children as young as 2 and the older child as well. They enjoy thinking about how fun it would be to have a soft, gentle lion to lean against as they read their books. And there is an important message about how to learn and obey rules that are necessary but in special situations they need to be not followed.“
