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The Little Stone Lion
In a small Chinese village a stone-carved lion sits and watches as a guardian spirit and holder of the villagers' collective memory. Older people stop, stroking his head to remember the past and children walk by knowing he watches over them to keep them safe. Whimsical illustrations and inventive visual perspectives depict the lion's expressions as he recounts his memories of the villagers over the years in daylight and evening and in the changing of the seasons.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2006
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 15, 2025
This picture book, The Little Stone Lion, contains the story of a stone lion that watches over his village. He is small in size, but loved by many. He watches the people of his village grow and leave, and die. He protects them, and they feel safe. As they leave and die, they forget about him, but he will forget no one. He remembers them all as he is their only guardian.
I enjoyed this story. I also enjoyed the art style that is reminiscent of traditional Chinese art. I believe the art style may confuse some children, as the lion does not look like what a Western child would consider a lion; he is slightly frightening. Although I believe this would be a good way for them to broaden their horizons. This book could serve as a discussion of protectors and who they look to as their guardian. It could also spark a conversation about how size and magnitude are not important to be loved. The statue does not actively do anything in the story, so you could take this as a message of needing to do nothing to deserve love and respect.
Within a clinical setting, this book does not have many uses. It could be useful in the production of /l/ as “lion” is written several times.
I enjoyed this story. I also enjoyed the art style that is reminiscent of traditional Chinese art. I believe the art style may confuse some children, as the lion does not look like what a Western child would consider a lion; he is slightly frightening. Although I believe this would be a good way for them to broaden their horizons. This book could serve as a discussion of protectors and who they look to as their guardian. It could also spark a conversation about how size and magnitude are not important to be loved. The statue does not actively do anything in the story, so you could take this as a message of needing to do nothing to deserve love and respect.
Within a clinical setting, this book does not have many uses. It could be useful in the production of /l/ as “lion” is written several times.
October 28, 2023
Story about a Chinese stone idol that they believe guards the village and keeps them safe.
March 21, 2024
He is the guardian and he never forgets.
October 12, 2009
The little stone lion of the title is a most likable fellow. He patiently stands guard over the small village, smiling through winter winds and summer breezes, making everyone feel safe. The lion knows that as children grow up and leave the village they may forget him, but he vows never to forget anyone who has been in his protection.
Muted, yet warm, almost sepia-toned, drawings add to the charm of this book that is sparse on text, but big on heart. Even the youngest readers will understand the love and pride the little stone lion feels for his village.
Muted, yet warm, almost sepia-toned, drawings add to the charm of this book that is sparse on text, but big on heart. Even the youngest readers will understand the love and pride the little stone lion feels for his village.
January 26, 2010
The lion in this book is the watcher of the village he lives in. He is a great figure to the children in the village as well as the elderly, both groups think fondly of him.
I wonder if children reading this book become confused because the lion itself is made of stone and therefore does not move around.
I wonder if children reading this book become confused because the lion itself is made of stone and therefore does not move around.
July 16, 2012
A great concept, poorly executed. The Stone Lion thinks about how time passes and he remains the same, watching over the village. Unfortunately, it was boring, the art was plain and I felt like it was just trying too hard. I would not recommend this storybook.
January 18, 2014
I really liked this book. It was charmingly illustrated and the accompanying text was simple and sweet.
I liked that the little stone lion didn't feel poorly of those humans who left the village. I also liked that he appreciated every villager, young and old. :)
I liked that the little stone lion didn't feel poorly of those humans who left the village. I also liked that he appreciated every villager, young and old. :)
March 10, 2009
A lion carved from stone tells of the village which he guards. The illustrations are tremendous and the sparse verse is just right.
June 10, 2012
Read for my X author.
August 25, 2012
Super cute I loved the drawings!
February 16, 2015
Good for Chinese New Year. Diverse Books.
December 13, 2018
A profound book about a stone lion who is the guardian spirit of a village, even though he is as small as a cat!
October 31, 2015
Kim Xiong's The Little Stone Lion is the village's guardian spirit. It observes the villagers' comings and goings and keeps local memory alive through art as image, poem, and sculpture.
October 25, 2016
The kid in me, who fears of being left behind, felt really sorry for the little stone lion.
January 19, 2014
Read the Chinese version. It's not just a story for the kids, but sentimental for the adults too.
April 2, 2017
This was just ok. :/
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews