Library Lion

Knudsen, M. (2006). Library lion. New York: Scholastic.

This book tells the exciting story of how a Lion was discovered in the library.  The library director suprisingly says it is ok for him to stay as long as he isn't breaking any of the library rules.  All the children enjoyed watching the lion nap in the story corner. They weren't sure how to act around the lion since there were no rules about a lion in the library. Since the lion was being so well behaved then everyone went about their day in the library. The lion finally broke a rule when he roared so Ms. Merriweather told the lion that he would have to leave if he was not quiet.  The lion agreed to be quiet. He even showed up early the next day so Ms. Merriweather put him to work with library chores. The children and library workers decided the lion was very helpful. One day an accident happened that required the lion to break more than one library rule.  You will have to read the story to find out how this mishap made the lion a hero.             

Character development was evident in this story as the lion's role changed from mere observer to hero. The library was an integral setting in the story because the meaning of the story would have been altered if the events did not occur inside the library. The visual elements in the story contribute to the portrayal of the great admiration the children have for the lion. The illustrator's use of composition is noted when he established the lion as the focal point.  On almost every page of the book the children surround the lion and gave at him lovingly. The artistic style of the illustrator is expressionistic art. This is evident when the lion roars and his mouth is illustrated much larger than that of a real lion. The illustrations are beautiful and contribute to the underlying message of heroism in the story.

In a primary classroom, I would use this book to discuss our own library rules for our school library and our classroom library. I would also discuss the fantasy elements in this story how the lion could not really become a library helper. Science could be incorporated by doing a compare and contrast graph with this lion and a lion in his natural habitat. I could also have my students write about real life animal heroes. I have a non-fiction pet hero book that would be an excellent follow up to springboard a discussion about real animal heroes. Students could then write a story about someone who is a hero.

Big Questions:

Is it ever ok to break the rules?

What are the characteristics of a hero?

Can an animal be a hero?

Can you think of someone who was a hero to you?