Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Library Lion
Book Review: Sometimes rules need to be broken
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a great book about a lion who wanders into the library. When the Head Librarian is told she asks if he is breaking any rules. Since he isn't he is allowed to stay. Then the lion roars loudly, which is totally against the rules, and the head librarian, and stickler of rules, comes out to tell the lion that he needs to follow the rules or else he can not return. After that the lion comes frequently to the library and is very helpful. One day the head librarian has an accident and needs help so the lion goes to the assistant librarian and roars as loud as he can. This is against the rules and he is told so. The lion leaves because he broke the rules. It isn't until the assistant goes to tell on the lion that he finds the head librarian and finally gets her help.
I thought this story teaches about library etiquette, meeting friends in unlikely places, and the ability to admit you are wrong. My kids really like it.
Book Review: Sometimes, Its Ok To Break The Rules
Summary: 5 Stars
One day, a lion wandered into Miss Merriweather's library. He began sniffing around and soon found the story hour corner, where he proceeded to sit and listen to the story along with the children. He liked listening to the story, but he let out a loud roar when it was finished. This lead to a reprimand about no loud noises in the library. The next day, the lion was back and was more well-behaved. Soon, the lion had become a sort of library mascot, helping with such things as dusting the encyclopedias, licking envelopes, and serving as a pillow for the children during story time. All of this was to the dismay of circulation desk attendant Mr. McBee, who felt that the library was no place for a lion.
Later on, Miss Merriweather was shelving books with the lion when she slipped off of her stool and fell to the ground. The lion tried to help, but couldn't figure out what was wrong. He ran to Mr.McBee's office and roared as loud as he could to get his attention. Instead of seeing what was wrong, he scolded the lion and sent him out of the library. Mr. McBee went to Miss Merriweather's office to find her laying on the floor. Miss Merriweather got her arm fixed by the doctor, but the lion, dejected by Mr. McBee's yelling, once again left the library. Miss Merriweather became sad that the lion had stopped coming again. Mr. McBee sensed Miss Merriweather's sadness and went looking for the lion. He explained to the lion that he still shouldn't roar in the library except in case of an emergency. Happily, the lion came back to the library and everyone, including Mr. McBee, was happy that he did.
My daughter received this book as a Christmas gift and she loves it. The pictures are bright and detailed, and the story is interesting. Being a librarian myself, I can only imagine what I would think if a lion walked through my door. I only hope that if one did, he would be as nice and helpful as the one in this story.
I give this book my highest recommendation. It's easy to see why it has won various children's book awards. The message that it carries is a good one, too; sometimes, it is ok to break the rules.
Book Review: Sure to be an Heirloom Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Rules are very important, especially in libraries. Miss Merriweather knows all about library rules, and she likes to make sure everyone follows them. When a lion strolls into the building one day, she isn't sure what to do. No one else knows what to do either.
The lion turns out to be very helpful. He is quiet now that he knows not to roar inside, he is warm and soft for story hour, and he likes to help Miss Merriweather with things like licking envelopes and dusting shelves. The lion proves to be very good at following the rules--until Miss Merriweather takes a nasty tumble. What will happen to the lion when he breaks to rules to help her out?
In this charming storybook, children will learn that rules are to be followed, but sometimes it's okay to go against them if it's an emergency. The message is presented in a non-frightening manner that will warm children's hearts. Although Miss Merriweather is hurt, we know she will be okay, and her sense of duty remains in tact ("No running!").
We also learn that jealousy can cause problems. The library assistant, Mr. McBee, doesn't care for all the attention the lion has taken from him, and the consequences are laid out when he ignores the lion's pleas for help.
This is a wonderful book. It may well be a classic one day, and it should go into your library today.
Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
10/26/2006
Book Review: Sweet
Summary: 4 Stars
While the story may be a bit predictable, the illustrations make you identify with and love these characters. The lion is one of the sweetest characters this year in children's picture books. I loved him from start to finish! You will laugh, and if you cry at that coffee add during the holidays (you know, the one where the little girl's brother comes home and makes coffee to wake the family up) you may even feel a small lump in your throat. But rest assured, you will be smiling at the end!Book Review: THE PRIDE OF ALL LION STORIES . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
If an important part of your growing up has been reading, you realize there are many people to thank. Author Michelle Knudsen is saying 'thanks' with her (2006) story about Library Lion, and her story is welcomed by hundreds of children plus many adult readers.
An Ithaca (NY) connection (such as the author's) defines a special person according to reviewer mcHaiku. My first library experience was in Ithaca (1931) just a block south of home with only Court Street to cross, an important consideration at age five. Some of us never outgrow our love of children's books and are protective of the memories they conjure up. We remember with gratitude the stability and encouragement found at libraries like Ithaca's, and Petit Branch in Syracuse.
The Library Lion is destined to become an all-time favorite for it not only stirs the feel-good memories of childhood, it tweaks the funny bone of any who may recall a particular frown, or raised eyebrow when they were misbehaving in the stacks. There have been so many outstanding librarians in my family and life I thought that those negative remarks or film images were jokes.
This story is wonderful fun because it is written & illustrated with great affection. Miss Merriweather, the librarian, has her rules, and her assistant Mr. McBee loves to enforce them. The lion's helpfulness extends to licking envelopes containing overdue notices, and he does that with galumptious fervor. Kevin Hawkes draws a wide gamut of human-like emotions in the Lion for adults and children to laugh over and discuss. Does one illustration hint that Ms. M 'has a thing' about McBee? So be it; these times call for sweet distractions, and moral lessons a la "Black Beauty." The lucky children hearing about Michelle Knudsen's "Library Lion" at storytime are on their way to building strong lifetime relationships with libraries everywhere. CHEERS all around!