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The World's Greatest Lion (2012)

by Ralph Helfer(Favorite Author)

3.94 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

039925417X (ISBN13: 9780399254178)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Philomel

review 1: I was drawn in to this book by Ted Lewin's as-always awesome watercolors, but also by the unique story. The writing is a little workmanlike but it is clear and straightforward. I knew as adult reader that the lion's back story had to have been constructed (rather than absolutely factual reporting) and from general knowledge about the entertainment industry that the story takes place sometime in the past, but a child will not. There is a note that the book is based on the author's adult book Zamba: The True Story of the Greatest Lion that Ever Lived, but there isn't an author's note or back matter to provide more context or a timeline. (It's also unclear that the lion's new home is in the United States, it's unclear that the way the lion was raised, with humans, however unl... moreikely, is the truth.) Still, the rescue story is powerful.
review 2: This is a fictionalized account of Zamba the lion. After his parents are killed by a Scar-like lion enemy, Zamba finds his way to a kind and caring woman. Eventually, he is sent to live in California and is trained to work in movies. He becomes most famous as Leo the Lion, the MGM roaring lion. The story is a bit long for lower elementary students and the author includes neither a note to explain the true story nor additional information. While the story is interesting and the artwork attractive, I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of truth in the story. less

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