An unlikely partnership, staunch loyalty, and the reward for an act of generosity all receive gorgeous treatment in this new version of Aesop’s familiar tale. Rand Burkert’s retelling allows the animals’ characters to emerge through the narrative, while Nancy Ekholm Burkert’s meticulous, beautifully rendered illustrations add depth and the visual realism of the natural world to the tale. Both reteller and artist bring background to the construction of this work in their notes, including the rationale for bucking tradition by listing Mouse first in the book’s title; the smaller animal earned that honor by “clearly perform[ing] the lion’s share of the work.” (Ages 4–8)

From the illustrator of the classic edition of Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

On a ridge above the Kalihari,
Lion naps, until Mouse bumbles into him,
willy-nilly, startling him awake.
After a show of teeth, Lion is softened
by Mouse's pledge of loyalty
and sets him free.

When a cold moon brings a humbling lesson,
Lion comes to recognize
Mouse's keen skill, and deeper kindness.

Mouse and Lion, Aesop's fabled duo,
renew their ancient bond
in this warm retelling by Rand Burkert,
illuminated by the authentic natural detail
of Nancy Ekholm Burkert's art.