lapetite's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Such a sweet, atmospheric picture book.
cweichel's review
5.0
The illustrations in the book are breathtaking. Dubuc is the queen of how to use empty space. She reveals so much emotion and story in the images. It's nearly wordless. I'm not even sure it needs the sparse text that's there.
seanmcfinn's review
5.0
I think I enjoy this one more than my daughter. Or at least it doesn't make her cry.
tashrow's review
5.0
One day a lion discovers a hurt bird in his garden. He bandages the bird’s damaged wing, but then the rest of the bird’s flock flies away, migrating for the winter. So the lion takes the bird into his home. Throughout the winter, the bird and the lion spend each day together doing all sorts of things. And the lion notices that the winter doesn’t seem as cold with a friend along with him. Then spring arrives and the bird’s wing has mended, so the bird heads off to join its flock as they return for the warm weather. Lion is once again alone and now he misses his friend. Lion spends all summer alone, tending his garden. Then autumn comes again and Lion hopes to see his friend return, but will he?
Dubuc is a Canadian author who is internationally known. She has a decidedly European vibe to her work with its quietness and the message of larger things written in the small world she creates on the page. She cleverly shows the passing of the seasons using pages of white that allow space for the time to pass for the reader. The book is also a lovely riff on The Lion and the Mouse, except in this book the lion is the one doing the kindness for another creature and the payback of the kindness is more delicate in the form of friendship.
Dubuc’s art is exceptional. Her fine lines show both close-ups of the friends together and also vistas of the world they live in. There is a feeling of smallness, closeness and a limited world that Lion lives in. That contrasts with the bird leaving on migration and exiting this close world.
A noteworthy picture book, this new title by Dubuc is charming and warm. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Dubuc is a Canadian author who is internationally known. She has a decidedly European vibe to her work with its quietness and the message of larger things written in the small world she creates on the page. She cleverly shows the passing of the seasons using pages of white that allow space for the time to pass for the reader. The book is also a lovely riff on The Lion and the Mouse, except in this book the lion is the one doing the kindness for another creature and the payback of the kindness is more delicate in the form of friendship.
Dubuc’s art is exceptional. Her fine lines show both close-ups of the friends together and also vistas of the world they live in. There is a feeling of smallness, closeness and a limited world that Lion lives in. That contrasts with the bird leaving on migration and exiting this close world.
A noteworthy picture book, this new title by Dubuc is charming and warm. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
5.0
Who says a farmer and a clown can’t become friends? And if they can, how about a lion and a bird? Yes, friendship can be difficult but it’s oh-so-rewarding as well. An amazing little picture book.
jennywithaz's review
5.0
This French-Canadian book from gave me all the feels. The quiet, beautiful illustrations and the spare text are both poignant and heartwarming...a real gem of a picture book.
ellielabbett's review
5.0
A highly emotive story about the joy and sorrow of finding friendship and letting go of something held so dear. When a little bird is injured and falls away from the migrating flock, Lion openly welcomes the lost fledgling into his home, where a beautiful companionship is born. The winter months pass by with ease and spring surfaces; it is here that Bird’s family return and Lion has to swallow his heart by allowing his friend to leave.
To me, Dubuc’s work is utter perfection. There is such a soothing warmth embedded within the scenes featuring the bonding between Lion and Bird- perhaps even more so in the quiet moments of being and living from day to day. What is done so well is the space Dubuc leaves for the aching loneliness and sad understanding after the departure of Bird. Really, she says so very little in words, and that is more than enough. The Lion and the Bird is deeply moving, and such a stunning depiction of friendship continuing to flower regardless of passing time and absence.
To me, Dubuc’s work is utter perfection. There is such a soothing warmth embedded within the scenes featuring the bonding between Lion and Bird- perhaps even more so in the quiet moments of being and living from day to day. What is done so well is the space Dubuc leaves for the aching loneliness and sad understanding after the departure of Bird. Really, she says so very little in words, and that is more than enough. The Lion and the Bird is deeply moving, and such a stunning depiction of friendship continuing to flower regardless of passing time and absence.