The book The Lion and the Mouse guarantees both splendor and surprise. The book cover shows Lion's leery eyes look toward the back cover and Mouse is also introduced.

Inside is a fine visual of a familiar Aesop's fable. The book is all about how a poor little mouse, once safe by a mighty lion, later bites the ropes that hold his old friend (lion).

Brilliant watercolors hold the full power of storytelling. No words are used except occasional suggested sound effects - squeaks and roars you can use your own soundtrack for this textless depiction of a timeless tale.

With this book Pinkney explains that a picture is worth a thousand words. His spectacular art provides a fresh context to a classic and earns him gold Caldecott Medal.