The Stone Lion

by Margaret Wild, Rita Voutila (Illustrator)

Sometimes statues are granted a chance to become warm, breathing creatures. The stone lion has only one dream u to run, pounce and leap in the park across from where he sits. But one snowy night, when a baby is abandoned at his paws, he is compelled to think differently.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Margaret Wild is one of Australia's most highly respected picture-book creators whose award-winning children's books are loved by children all over the world. Margaret has published over seventy picture books for young children and she has been the recipient of the Nan Chauncy Award and the Lady Cutler Award for her contributions to Australian children's literature.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

To see this review and to learn more about Margaret Wild please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com

The Stone Lion by Margaret Wild is a story about a lifelike stone lion that sits outside the library day in and day out. A little homeless girl named Sara huddles up next to him along with her baby brother for warmth on a cold windy day.

The lion doesn't believe he understands feelings, but knows that somehow he must help Sara and her baby brother. On a horribly cold and wintry night Sara arrives and the lion cries. How can he help her? Follow along in the story to see if the stone lion can help when it seems there's no hope.

Ritva Voutila's illustrations in the book are captivating and have a tremendous realistic feel to them. I love the story and its influential moral messages of love, bravery and caring for others.

5*****

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sitting outside of a great library, the eponymous stone lion in Margaret Wild's poignant tale is as frozen in heart as he is in body. He gazes upon the world and is unmoved by its suffering, and indifferent to its joys. Longing to come alive and explore the park across the street, the lion is counseled by a wise gargoyle that only the most generous of hearts is granted such a wish. When a homeless little girl named Sara collapses in front of him, after laying her infant brother before him, the lion is finally moved, and longs with all his being to be able to bring the children into the warmth of the library...

Australian author Margaret Wild seems to have a knack for telling thoughtful and thought-provoking stories. I vividly recall reading her Woolvs in the Sitee and finding it incredibly interesting and haunting, so I am glad to have found another winner from her pen. The messages highlighted here - that feeling and accepting both sorrow and joy is intrinsically linked to being alive, that the generous heart can accomplish miracles - are worked seamlessly into the narrative, which stands on its own, separate from any didactic purpose, as an engaging story. The artwork by Ritva Voutila is likewise immensely appealing, depicting a grey and sepia-toned Depression-era world, one that feels both historical and timeless. The use of subtle color, and of light and shadow here, is very skilled. It's easy to see why this was shortlisted for The Children's Book of the Year Awards, handed out by The Children's Book Council of Australia. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of homelessness, poverty, generosity, and the central role of emotion is being alive.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library, but kept putting it off as it seemed like there were too many words to read to my son when I was tired. When I finished reading it to him and his older brother, we wanted more words. What a beautiful story. At one point, my boys were almost in tears (and I was not far behind them) and then we were cheering.

[Whole And · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching tale teaching little people that sometimes we use sacrifice our dreams for something better, a greater purpose and the reward to feel alive.

This stoic, stone lion saves 2 young children giving them a chance at having a future life by giving up his once chance to follow his dream.

Touching and somewhat sad, a meaningful story.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of overly-sentimental stories, but this one was very sweet. It may have had something to do with the proximity to the library but I found this book to be thoughtful and peaceful. The illustrations are beautiful and they add so much to the text. I look forward to reading this one to the younger children during library time.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm turning into a sentimental slob in my old age. I actually got more than a bit weepy over this one, AT WORK. The art is really beautiful, in particular the image of the lion statue crying got to me.

[Angel Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story that deserves it's high praise.

Beautifully written, incredibly illustrated, an absolute masterpiece of its genre.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful children's book!! The story is so heart warming that I was sniffling from the first page. The illustrations by Ritva Voutila are gorgeous!! This is a must read for everyone! Giant Kudos to Margaret and Ritva on an absolutely unforgettable book!!

[Nicole Groenewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going through the picture book section each week grabbing a bunch of books and I read several to my 2 month old each day. I’m making a list of the ones worth re-reading when he can better comprehend the stories. This is at the top of my list we’ll probably have to buy it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my all time favourite book! I cry each time I read it out loud to students and the classes I read to often burst into spontaneous applause at the end. Absolutely beautifully written and totally heart wrenching!

[Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for storytime at work. It was sweet, but I wanted more.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Turned a rather cold cloudy day a little warmer.

[Megan Stypinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book.

[Sondra Stallings · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart wasn’t ready 🥺 Now I need to hug a stone lion ☺️

[Lara Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story won the "Children's book of the Year Award". It's a story of a stone lion who comes to life in order to save a homeless girl and her baby brother.

[Gibi Manu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed reading this book and loved how everything was done. The sacrifice of the lion was very heart breaking and that made me love this!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. My son was listening on StoryBox Library, and I overhead and was captivated. We talked afterwards about kindness and selflessness. A wonderful moment in our homeschooling day. 🙂

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is pretty dark for a kid's book. There is real homelessness and famine, but also a gorgeously moving story of love and kindness that transcends physical bonds. Very interesting and unique.

[Nicola]

Such as special book . The stone lion can teach us so much about life and what it means to be happy

[Goofy · Rating 1 out of 5]

i dont like this book bc its very boring it not entertaining

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful picture books I have read so far his year. Heart-warming story, stunning illustrations. Touched me deeply. While the idea of a non living thing wanting to come alive is not new, the execution here is very unique.

[Miztres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reminded of the Happy Prince (Oscar Wilde) while reading this with the similar use of the statue looking out over the human world and birds as messengers as well as the transformational power of love. I did love the transformation of the lion from the haughty selfish being to someone that draws other (children) to it by its warmth and kind expression. I also liked the idea that care in action (love) that makes the transformation occur.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book of a lion statue who stands guard outside of a public library. One day his wish to be real for a little while comes true but instead of running through the park and exploring, he helps a young homeless girl and her baby brother who have no place to go in the freezing winter. A wonderful demonstration of kindness and how small acts can make a real difference in someone's life.

[Simon Cian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful but somewhat melancholy fable. It is very heavy on its sentimentality and moral lessons, and would teach children about courage (unsurprising for a tale about a lion), bravery, love and motivation in life. With its bittersweet ending and fitting illustrations this is a well written and powerful book. The rating was only brought down by lashings of sentimentality and a very obvious and well trodden narrative.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an amazing and beautiful story. I'd put off reading it for ages because I just felt it wasn't what I would enjoy. I was wrong. I absolutely loved the illustrations which are so beautiful throughout the whole book and really help tell this story. And the story is so powerful, I nearly cried in the middle of the library.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of an epic feature film than a picture book. Captivating and moving. Visually sublime. Exquisite to share with youngsters quietly, one on one as it provided plenty of thought provoking discussion on life, circumstance and humility.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can always expect a special experience reading a Margaret Wild picture book and of course The Stone Lion is no exception. A story of sadness and joy, hope and despair.


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[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me goosebumps when I read it to myself. Even more so when I read it to my class. Beautiful story. Beautiful concept.

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to a Year 4 class and they were spell bound.

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so sweet and heartwarming. Every library lover should check this out today!