Knudsen, Michelle. Library Lion. Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Candlewick Press, 2006. ISBN
0763622621. $15.99. 48 p.
Reviewer: Sandra L. Tidwell
Reading Level: Toddler, Preschool, Primary
Rating: Outstanding
Genre: Picture Books;
Subject: Lions--Juvenile fiction; Libraries--Juvenile fiction; Obedience--Juvenile fiction; Books-
-Reviews;
When a lion shows up for Story Hour in the local library, Mr. McBee is upset. However,
Miss Merriweather, who is a stickler for rules, says that as long as the lion follows the rules he
can stay! Lion enjoys Story Hour so much that when it is over he roars for more. Because of the
"Be quiet!" rule, the lion must leave for the rest of the day, but l he can return tomorrow if he
agrees to be "a nice, quiet lion." The children, who at first were a little wary of this unusual
library friend, look forward to sharing Story Hour with him. The lion even comes early for Story
Hour and, being the efficient librarian she is, Miss Merriweather gives him various library jobs
to do while he waits. Everyone loves the lion - except Mr. McBee. The next time the lion roars,
Mr. McBee reminds him that he has broken the rule and must leave the library. But Mr. McBee
soon finds out is that the lion was trying to tell him that Miss Merriweather had fallen and
needed help! The next day the lion doesn't come for Story Hour. The children and adults,
especially Miss Merriweather, sadly long for their friend to return. After a long search for lion,
Mr. McBee invites the lion back to the library by saying, "I thought you might like to know that
there's a new rule at the library. No roaring allowed, unless you have a very good reason -say if
you're trying to help a friend who's been hurt, for example." To everyone's delight, the lion
returns the next day! "Sometimes there was a good reason to break the rules. Even in the library."
Although many libraries today have areas where patrons can talk together in groups, this
book about library etiquette is from the library era where being quiet is very important. This
would be a good story to read to children before their first visit to a library. It would also be a
good way to begin a discussion on library rules and their purpose. The realistic color illustrations
are done in soft pastel shades and give a restful, happy feeling to the book. Readers will love the
illustration of the lion licking envelopes and napping on the bean bag chair in the Story Hour
corner.
