No roaring allowed. That's the only stipulation Miss Merriweather the librarian places on her unusual new visitor at storytime: a lion. He turns out to be a model patron, "doing things without being asked. He dusted the encyclopedias. He licked the envelopes." But a thorny dilemma arises when Miss Merriweather falls and injures her arm: Should the lion break the rules and roar for help? Delicate, expressive pictures pair well with the understated humor of the text-which, for all its fun, may spark discussions about when it's okay to break the rules. For kids who love forays to the library, this is a must-read. (Ages 4 to 6)
Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2006
Kirkus Reviews
Knudsen and Hawkes pick a perfect setting to express the idea that breaking rules can sometimes be a good thing. When a lion wanders into a small town public library the Head Librarian, Miss Merriweather, brushes off the protestations of her realistically officious colleague Mr. McBee and allows it to stay-so long as it keeps quiet, doesn't run and makes itself useful cleaning books and licking envelopes while waiting for storytime to begin. Anxious-looking patrons of all ages quickly become accepting ones in Hawkes's soft toned watercolors, and if Miss Merriweather's hair and dress seem a bit stereotypical, occasional CRT monitors balance glimpses of rubber date stamps and a card catalog in his gracious, old style interiors. When Miss Merriweather takes a fall, the lion roars to attract help, then slinks out in shame-but McBee redeems himself by bustling out into the rain to inform the offender that Exceptions to the Rules are sometimes allowed. Consider this a less prescriptive alternative to Eric A. Kimmel's I Took My Frog to the Library (1990), illustrated by Blanche Sims-and it doesn't hurt that the maned visitor is as huge and friendly looking as the one in James Daugherty's classic Andy and the Lion. (Picture book. 6-8)
From the Publisher
Proves that every now and then you have to break the rules.
—New York Times Book Review
This winsome pairing of text and illustration is a natural for storytime and a first purchase for every collection.
—School Library Journal, starred review
Knudsen's gentle tale of a revered yet welcoming community destination will ring true for many readers. Hawkes's (Weslandia) evocative, soft-hued acrylic-and-pencil illustrations have a timeless feel, depicting a cozy book-filled haven that any story fan would love to visit, rules and all.
—Publishers Weekly
Knudsen and Hawkes pick a perfect setting to express the idea that breaking rules can sometimes be a good thing.
—Kirkus Reviews
Appealing. . . . Children will easily see themselves in the wild lion, who yearns to explore and enjoy the library but worries about the constraining rules.
—Booklist
A beautiful book that is sure to be shared and wept over again and again.
—The Bloomsbury Review
A picture book treat for any library lover.
—Nancy Pearl Book Reviews, KUOW Radio “The Beat"
Sweetly celebrating all things bookish and guaranteed to tickle young readers’ funny bones.
—Child
Kevin Hawkes’ illustrations are a brilliant fit, rendering the lion’s softness and a modern library seen from a child’s eye level.
—Chicago Tribune
There are lessons here about making assumptions, breaking rules and taking care of friends.
—San Francisco Chronicle
The happy ending will leave a smile on children’s faces whether they read it themselves or hear it as a read-aloud.
—Kansas City Star
The delights of a small-town library come to life in this charming tale.
—Star-Ledger
An old-fashioned, heart-warming storybook.
—Louisville Courier-Journal
Written and illustrated in the orderly style of mid-20th century classics such as Andy and the Lion, the story’s special charm is in the characters.
—Times-Picayune
With masterful subtleness, [Hawkes] evokes emotions and movement around this magnificent furry lion.
—Sacramento Bee
If you can buy only one book this is the one.
—Daily Herald, featured in "Good Reads for Kids"
A very gentle book with a good word to say about breaking the rules.
—Detroit Free Press
Graceful details add to the retro feel of this utterly delightful book. Curl up at your favorite library with this winner of a tale!
—BookPage
This beautifully illustrated story will be a joy to read over and over again with your little cubs at bedtime.
—Houston Family Magazine
This is a book parent and child will enjoy again and again.
—About Family Magazine
