Cool Book: The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc

The Lion and the Bird
Marianne Dubuc
Translated from the French by Claudia Z. Bedrick
 
Dubuc’s gentle, stylized lion is a farmer wearing overalls in this almost wordless tale of friendship and patience. During bird migration time, the lion finds a wounded bird, caring for its wing and taking it home to recuperate. Over the winter, they become firm friends in the lion’s cozy house. Snow falls; they sled and go ice fishing. Spring arrives with a spray of pink buds and, with it, the other birds. The lion understands as his friend flies away--“Sometimes life is like that.” Readers watch the seasons pass, while the lonely lion starts a garden and grows round red tomatoes. He fishes, reads, and suddenly, the leaves turn golden.  Maybe . . . .  Yes, his friend returns! Together, they’ll stay warm all winter. Dubuc’s spare, beautiful illustrations will help young readers understand the power of friendship and that patience is sometimes rewarded. It’s a lovely way to let go of March.
 
2014, Ages 4 to 8

Check it out from your library using the library catalog. Donate to an improved Sebastopol Regional Library here.

Recommended by: Barbara Talcroft
Barbara Talcroft reviews children’s books professionally for childrenslit.com and for Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.  She has a Master’s degree in International Children’s Literature.  She also has many years’ experience as a teacher.  Barbara is one of the founders of LANTERN and its past chairperson.

---