Caldecott, anyone? They tend to like wordless books, and has Pinkney won yet?

although I couldn't figure out what the ball of rope thing was at the end - anyone have any theories?

Wow, I totally called that! Still haven't found an answer for my ball of rope question - now that most have read it, anyone have a theory?

Wow. I could stare at each page forever, the art is so alive and expressive. Based on one of Aesop's fables, this wordless picture book tells a simple story of unlikely friendship. The lion catches the mouse, but lets it live. The mouse later saves the lion's life. Beautiful.

Reviewed at: http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2011/11/picture-book-month-mini-challenge-week.html

Summary: Jerry Pickney shares his favorite Aesop fable, "The Lion and the Mouse" through a wordless picture book.

What I Think: This book obviously has beautiful illustrations- they are mini pieces of art on every page. I also truly enjoyed how Pickney decided to give some back story to the characters by adding a setting we all know (African savanna), antagonists we all despise (poachers), and giving each character a family so that the situation for both characters is even dire. This picture book, just like the fable, shows why compassion is so important and one choice can change your life.

Love the illustrations!

Awesome art. Like, woah!

I love this book so much. A wordless picture book save for several instances of onamonapia, this retelling of Aesop's fable is delightfully done. It's an acceptable book for all ages and allows for the readers to add their own dialogue and conversation. The illustrations are done in both colored pencil and watercolor to make the images have texture and depth. This book was the winner of the Caldecott Medal in 2010 and it definitely lives up to this award as it begs for rereading.

After YEARS of hearing “Would you just look at this book, Jen!” I finally did. The lush illustrations pop off the page. The Lion is a treasure, the mouse a pillar. Whoever says books need words just doesn't know what the heck they are missing in pieces of art like this. And imagine the stories young readers create using their own words during read-aloud time to convey the images’ content!

3.5 stars

Fabulous pictures tell the whole story. No words are needed.

• Illustrations are pencil, watercolor, and colored pencils on paper