The Lion and the Bird is a sensitive, beautiful, and utterly charming fable about generosity, kindness, and true friendship.
One autumn day, a lion finds a wounded bird in his garden. With the departure of the bird's flock, the lion decides that it's up to him to care for the bird. He does and the two become fast friends. Nevertheless, the bird departs with his flock the following autumn. What will become of Lion and what will become of their friendship?
Note: Some pages in this book are intentionally blank to represent snow.
Marianne Dubuc is an internationally acclaimed illustrator whose work has been published by major publishers in fifteen countries.
Praise
Brain Pickings’ #1 Best Picture Book of 2014
Selected as the 2014 Booklist Editors' Choice Top of the List — Picture Book Selection
A 2015 USBBY Outstanding International Book
#1 Best Picture Book of 2014 for Smart Books for Smart Kids
STARRED REVIEW! ? “The intimacy of friendship, as well as the bittersweet sweep of time, is exquisitely rendered in this spare story of a kindly lion who rescues an injured bird flying south for winter. . . A much needed antidote to the speed of the world, this picture book by French Canadian Dubuc is one to savor.”
—Booklist
STARRED REVIEW! ? “It’s a remarkably moving, and—considering it features two animals—deeply human story.”
—Publishers Weekly
“The Lion and the Bird is a tender and moving story of friendship. . . There’s a lot of emotion, Dubuc conveying a great deal with her soft lines and warm palette.”
—Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
“The Lion and the Bird is ineffably wonderful, the kind of treasure to which the screen and the attempted explanation do no justice—a book that, as it was once said of The Little Prince, will shine upon your soul, whether child or grown-up, 'with a sidewise gleam' and strike you 'in some place that is not the mind' to glow there with inextinguishable light.”
—Maria Popova, Brain Pickings
“Full of subtle humor and drama that resonates rather than disappears. This is a friendship story full of empathy and beauty. . . The clearly rendered illustrations feature a muted palette that perfectly matches the tone of the story.”
—Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes
"Dubuc’s charming, pastel-hued illustrations convey gentle humor and genuine feeling. The story’s measured pacing allows readers to discover and relish each emotional nuance. A lovely choice to share and savor."
—School Library Journal
“Dubuc excels at capturing emotions visually. The angle of Lion’s posture, with a single nuanced line for his mouth, evinces joy or sadness. White space—sometimes whole pages—speaks its own language of loss and hope. . . A sensitive, uplifting meditation.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The Lion and the Bird is the kind of book that will endure time and bring hours of thought and conversation about friendship, diversity and seasons. It is simply a beautiful creation—and my pick for this year’s Caldecott.”
—32 Pages
“Dubuc’s art is exceptional. . . A noteworthy picture book, this new title by Dubuc is charming and warm.”
—Tasha Saecker, Waking Brain Cells
"A wistful story. . . You will be touched by the sensitivity of the drawings and their ability to express the joys or sorrows of being together or apart."
—Vermont Country Sampler
“This is the kind of story that enriches your soul and leaves you feeling hopeful and happy. Both you and your child will want to linger over the pages and fully take in all there is to see with the beautiful illustrations.”
—Smart Books for Smart Kids
”A breathtakingly beautiful book about friendship.”
—Lisa Zaretsky, @playagainreads
