Lion vs. Rabbit

Illustrated by Alex Latimer

Category: Picture Book Themes: Friendship & Family, Social-Emotional Learning

Small turns out to be more powerful than big in this hilarious story about outwitting a bully.

ISBN: 9781561457090
Publication date: 09/01/2013
Page Count: 32
Size: 10-1/2" x 9-1/4"
Age Range: 4-8

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Description

Small turns out to be more powerful than big in this hilarious story about outwitting a bully.

Lion bullies all the other animals until finally they can’t take it anymore. They post an ad, asking for help. One animal after another tries and fails to defeat Lion. Can no one stop him? Finally, a rabbit arrives. No one thinks that such a small animal will be brave enough or strong enough to defeat Lion. But perhaps this rabbit is smart enough?

Another hilariously quirky tale from Alex Latimer, filled with visual puns, wordplay, and an entertaining and unique message about working together to defeat a bully.

Author/Illustrator

Alex Latimer

Illustrator

Alex Latimer lives in South Africa near the border of a national park. So when not writing or drawing, he spends his free time shooing baboons out of his lounge. He has written several picture books for children.

Reviews

“Latimer’s illustrations are quirky and dryly funny…older children will appreciate Latimer’s edginess.” ―The New York Times

“Latimer’s digital colored-pencil illustrations humorously capture the funny details of the contests, such as Lion’s paint-splattered stick drawing of a dinosaur compared to Rabbit’s rendition of the Mona Lisa (with bunny ears). Readers will laugh at the surprise revelation that a colony of wily rabbits was in on the success. This quirky twist on ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ is a winner.” ―School Library Journal

“Latimer’s digitally colored pencil cartoons are full of funny details (a TV color test appears in Lion’s thought bubble during a trivia challenge), and while he lets readers in on Rabbit’s secret to success, Lion simply gets a satisfying, fable-worthy comeuppance.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Precise, digitized pencil illustrations utilize simple lines, patterns and colors to highlight Lion’s mean and silly bullying antics… Readers with sharp eyes will be rewarded with numerous amusing visual details, including hidden hints about how Rabbit outwits Lion. A droll, nonthreatening tale of bullying in the guise of a modern fable.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Latimer does the trope justice and adds a nice twist to the story line: a last reveal that should make readers smile, playing off a rabbit’s capacity to multiply… Bright art and boxy-looking critters will seem familiar to fans of Latimer’s earlier books. Meanwhile, plenty of busy asides allude to Rabbit’s quick thinking, and evocative but simple facial expressions help make the story lively. Readers should be pleasantly swept up in this underdog victory.” ―Booklist Online

Awards

Children’s Choices ―International Reading Association, Children’s Book Council, 2014

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2013

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2014

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Honor, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World, 2015

Virginia Readers’ Choice (Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2015-2016

Alabama Camellia Awards (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2014-2015

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Maryland Association of School Librarians, 2014-2015

Goldfinch Award (Nominee) ―Iowa Association of School Librarians, 2016-2017

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Washington Library Media Association, 2015

More Details

AR Level: 2.7
Lexile: AD450L
Themes: Bullying, Cooperation, Problem-Solving
BISAC 1: JUV039230 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Bullying
BISAC 2: JUV019000 JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
BISAC 3: JUV002210 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Rabbits