The Lion King Books

I checked this book out from the library and loved it so much that I'm going to purchase a copy to own. Other reviewers have covered the fiction/fact aspect of the book, so I'll limit my comments to the beauty of the story and the illustrations. Adult readers familiar with Joseph Campbell will recognize elements of the hero-tale framework in the narrative. The story itself is compelling and captivating to children and adults alike. My 5 1/2 year old son eagerly chose it as his bed-time story every night until we finished it. (It's a long read-aloud for one sitting -- too long for a 5 year old at bedtime.) My 7 year old daughter and I were equally enthralled.

The illustrations are incredibly rich and detailed, with African-influenced stylization. They are fully up to the task of supporting the beautiful narrative. The paintings, along with some illustrative detail inserted into the text areas of the story give the book a regal, special feel, almost as if it should be handled reverently.

This book would be a wonderful addition to anyone's book collection and would make a beautiful gift. I also recommend the book "Sundiata: Lion King of Mali" by David Wisniewski as a prequel. Sundiata is portrayed as Mansa Musa's grandfather in the Burns book -- a detail which may or may not be factual. Regardless, it's another well told and nicely illustrated Mali legend.

If you are looking for a strictly historical book, go elsewhere. The main story is entirely fictional. However, it is beautifully told and gorgeously illustrated, and it is well researched historical fiction. No, we know nothing of the childhood of the famous Mansa Musa--however, the portrayal of the cultures and ways of life of the people is vivid and accurate, and this legend-like tale will surely gain a deserving place in the canon of children's literature.

For educational use, this is of fairly limited *factual* use because of the dearth of written accounts about Mansa Musa and his reign and, as a result, the fictional nature of the main narrative. However, the epilogue is factual (if not completely impervious to debate), and the entire book would be great as a fictional supplement to the study of the Middle Ages, especially as it takes the point of view of a non-Western culture and focuses upon an important historical figure who is often glossed over (because of lack of information and his lack of impact upon the West) in typical courses of study.

This book would be excellent for people of any background who enjoy history, good story-telling, and breathtaking illustrations.

For other great, beautifully illustrated, African-oriented picture books, try these:

Why do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears? - an animal myth

The Marriage of the Rain-Goddess - based on a South African myth, it contains many elements common to African folklore and fairytales (such as the substitute bride)

African Princess - nonfiction about 6 royal women of Africa, from ancient Egypt to the 20th (and 21st) century. Painted illustrations are limited to one portrait per woman, but the book is fascinating and unusual, and photographs are skillfully chosen to complement the text.

African Princes - Complement to African Princesses.

There is a great deal of historical evidence in support of the mighty empire of Mali and the trek of the great king Mansa Musa across the Sahara Desert to Mecca. Some European historical accounts have him listed as the king of all of Africa. There is solid historical evidence that he lived in the early 1300's and further evidence that a mighty fleet of ships departed from the kingdom and made landfall in the Western Hemisphere during his reign. This would mean that their arrival predated the voyage of Christopher Columbus by almost two centuries.
This story is an account of the life of Mansa Musa before he became king, and while the background is historically accurate, most of the account of his life before he became king is fictional. Some of it is based on cultural myths that are still part of the Mali culture, but it is clear that there were once mighty empires in Africa. I found this book very interesting because it tells of an aspect of African history that we in the west rarely if ever hear about. The empires of Egypt and Nubia are part of the historical education of every western child, but the mighty nations that once existed in other parts of Africa are largely ignored. Most of the Africans captured and sold into slavery were from the northwest section of Africa and it is a western cultural myth that they were savages. From the historical events on which this book is based, a strong and civilized nation existed in that area several centuries before the slave trade began.
The authors do a good job in writing about the early life of Mansa Musa. It is an appropriate blend of a story for children with just enough adult features to make it appeal to all ages. Once I completed the book, my interest was so aroused that I did an online search for books on Mansa Musa and the empire of Mali.

Great Read! A wonderful disney story! Many different emotions throughout the book and life learning experiences that happen through all the events. Best sequel I've ever read in a children's book!

It was the best Disney book I have ever read. I am a Disney fanatic, and would have wished so much, to meet Walt Disney, even though he is frozen at the moment. I loved this book, because it was so heartwarming to me, and it reminds me of everyday life...I mean the story. You never know what is going to happen next. Something dangerous, something funny, or something romantic? I guess it was so special, because my life is exactly like the ones of Kovu and Kiara. The writers must have put a lot of time and thinking for this story. I wish the best. Thanks!

I am a Lion King freak, and so have collected many children's books. I often am disapointed that the drawings barely resemble the actuall characters. This book is not a disapointment, the pictures are wonderfull, and I flip through it again and again. It also goes very in depth with the story, readers with a short attention span may get bored with the long text.

If you have a chance to see the musical of the Lion King... Run to see it! It is the most colorful and beautiful play! The costumes are spectaclar. But this play is not for young children 2 to 5 year olds, even those who love the movie. Wait until they are older to take them. In the meantime they can see a small slice of the play and feel like there where there with you! Again an awesome glimpse into the musical, and if you get the chance to see this play.. RUN TO IT!

Julie Taymor ha conseguido el mejor musical de la temporada gracias a su inagotable ingenio, creatividad y riqueza de técnicas teatrales. En The Lion King los espectadores entramos en un mundo de magia y color como nunca lo habíamos hecho.

As a published and award winning author, I take my hat off to this wonderful woman who has taken such a great film and adapted it so well for children.
However, there is a problem with this singular novelization.
Its short length does present a problem.
The Lion King is an epic film, and needs to be novelized in an epic novel, not some childrens storybook.
What I mean by novelized, is that the story is written down, expanded, and shown in the light that it was originally meant to be. A short childrens "novel" wont cut it unfortunately.
What needs to be done, is a full-length novel needs to be written, along the lines of say the length of Carrie or something of that nature. This would allow the author to expand the universe of the Lion King, explore subplots and motives, really flesh out the characters and have some fun with creating the history of some of our most cherished characters as well as new scenes, locales, and events, making it appeal not only to children, but to the adult and senior audiences as well.
Luckily, this is already in progress. I happen to be working on a manuscript for this novel, and it will be finished sometime in 2006-07. Hopefully, it will restore what the Lion King has lost ( or could not put into a childrens movie or book due to violence, and motivation) and reclaim this epic for a new literary age.

This book is great. When the Lion King came out, I loved it, so I got this book for Christmas. I had my mom read it over and over and when she couldn't, I'd read it myself! This is a terrific book so if you loved the movie, don't miss out on this beautiful adaptation

ISBN 2894332513 (5 stars) - This is now the third Disney version of The Lion King that I've read, I thought I'd found the best of them in 0307127923. I stand corrected with this one. Although it's small, nearly pocket sized, and it's one of those "novelties", with a pillowed hardcover, this edition is better than the rest (so far!). For the sake of comparison I will, again, merge the reviews.

This third edition is, by far, the smoothest flowing storytelling I've found to date. Leaving out almost nothing, from the beginning to the end, it captures every important moment, running them fluidly together. This makes a much more complete and easy to follow - and enjoy! - story. Brimar's edition seems to be author-less, sadly, so it won't be possible for me to hunt down anything else from the writer - which is only one of two negatives I can find here. The other is that the text is a little small and the font not great.

The first edition I reviewed: ISBN 0717283534 (4 stars) - This is the Disney's Wonderful World of Reading edition of The Lion King. Because there are so many, and they vary so much, I think it's important not to confuse them. Some parents might be reluctant to introduce their child to the story because of the murder of Simba's father and the later killing of Scar. If that's a concern for you, this book might be best passed by for now.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, even a step above Disney's usual standard excellence. The story is very slightly disjointed because it's condensed, but the high points are covered and those who have seen the movie will have no trouble following. On the other hand, those who haven't seen the movie might not even notice what's missing! Either way, a chance to read with your child should never be missed and a wonderful Disney tale is always worthwhile.

ISBN 0307127923 (5 stars) - This is the second version of Disney's The Lion King that I've read. All three tell the same story, but this one is a bit better. Hover's adaptation includes more detail and flows more smoothly. The illustrations by the team of Judy Barnes and Robbin Cuddy are very good and the mood of the moment is captured in fantastic colors.

Simba's birth is cause for celebration in the jungle - the future king is presented to one and all, and all show up. Except, that is, Scar. Scar is Simba's uncle, brother of King Mufasa and, until Simba's birth, next in line for the throne. Scar hatches several plans to get rid of Simba and reclaim his place, finally resorting to killing his brother and encouraging Simba to give in to his guilt and run away.

Befriended by Timon and Pumbaa, Simba grows to his full size. He misses his loved ones and, thanks to a chance encounter with his childhood friend Nala and the guidance of Rafiki, Simba returns home to take back his place as king.

- AnnaLovesBooks

This book tells the story of a strong relationship between a mighty lion ruler, Mufasa, and his son, Simba. When Mufasa is killed, Simba leaves the lion pride, thinking his father's death is all his fault. On his journey, Simba is befriended by a kind warthog and meerkat.Simba adopts their carefree motto "Hakuna Matata". The young lion prince grows up with his two new friends not willing to accept responsibility. One night, he sees his childhood friend, Nala, in the jungle. She tells him about lack of food and water at home, yet, he still refuses to return. That night, his father appears in the twilight, telling his son to return home, help the pride, and become king. Simba goes back home and puts everything back into place again. Then he assumes the throne, Pride Rock and chooses Nala for his queen. They soon have a cub of their own. The Circle of Life will continue!

THIS IS A VERY UNIQUE VIEW AND A GREAT WAY TO SHOW YOUR AVERAGE KID THE GLORY OF THIS GODLY BIRD. JUSTINE KORMAN, FROM ALL OF US AT (...), WE ARE PROUD.

-"THE MAJESTIC SHREW", "THE BEACHED WHALE", AND "PMS MAN"/"MULLET BOY"/"SUE THE MALE PARROT"

Zazu's veiw is a funny, wonderful book. The pictures are filled with vibrant colors, that make the pictures come alive in a childs head. If you liked the lion king you will enjoy this book. It is perfect for young children and the young at heart. Read this book and you will be laughing for hours.

This book has excellent illustrations and bright colors. My 11 month old really loves the pictures of the bugs. All of the bugs look so real and neat poking through all of the pages. She just loves being able to touch the bugs. In this book, Timon tells Simba about what all the bugs taste like and how they sound (crunch). Your child will find that the "wriggly yellow ones taste like chicken", and the "spicy green ones are the best". If any one in your family is a "Disney" fan, this is a must have for your collection. This book is easy for any young reader to read. Personally, I can hardly wait for my daughter to be able to tell me how the bugs sound and how they taste. We highly recommend this book.

Entertainingly "gross" and highly colorful, "Lunch Bugs" will be fun to read to your little ones. Its brightly colored, touchable pictures and easy- to-read wording make it suitable for children just learning to read. It made a wonderful gift for my grandnephew's 5th birthday, as it will for any child. Even the grownups will love "Lunch Bugs"...I did!

It's the best book for kids. I read it to my kids every nightbefore bed.They love it so much they memorized it.They also have themovies.So if you buy one book for your kids,buy 101 dalmations and thelion king. Trust me your kids will love it. END

I read these years ago and to this day I still love this series. The Shepherds Kings was my favorite and I re-read it over and over. The tale of two brothers one tall and beautiful, the other hunched and crippled. Both with remarkable skills. I highly recommend this series to one who loves historical novels. Set in biblical times these books are full of action, adventure, and love.

The book The Adventure of Robin Hood is a great read. This Traditional Literature was written by Howard Pyle. This book is full of action packed adventure. In this book is about an outlaw named Robin Hood that lives in Sherwood Forest. Robin Hood and his merry band of men are very helpful by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. The sheriff of Nottingham doesn't appreciate Robin Hood's good will. Will they achieve? I think this is a great book because they meet new people, the definitions of Robin is very descriptive. I also think this is a great book is because at one of my family reunion's I saw it at the kid table. I could not put it down. I think this book is great book for people who like action and adventure. This book is for kids and adults of all ages.