Mama Lion Wins the Race

Mama Lion and Tigey--two gawky stuffed animals--are preparing for a car race along with the other toys in their town. The race begins (some famous picture book friends can be spotted in the starting- line crowd), and the vintage automobiles hurtle through the countryside. When Mama Lion and Tigey's car breaks down, the Flying Pandinis, a rival team, stop to lend a hand without regard to lost time. Despite the best efforts of an ambitious team of monkeys, the Flying Pandinis, and Mama Lion and Tigey take the lead. The loving portraits of vintage cars are a pleasure in themselves, and the race is simultaneously tense and surprisingly leisurely. But it's not about winning--as with previous books, Muth uses the competitive setting for some Zen-style teaching. Mama Lion isn't focused on domination: "We could not win!" she suggests to Tigey at the race's climax, reciprocating kindness with kindness. For her, the important thing is not the goal but the journey, and gratitude for all living things. "The world is beautiful," she murmurs to herself, midrace. Ages 3-5. Agent: Allen Spiegel, Allen Spiegel Fine Arts. (July)

PreS-Gr 2--Mama Lion and Tigey are excited: it is race day! They examine their route, take a gander at the prizes, greet the competition in the town square, and drive off with Tigey behind the wheel. The Knitted Monkeys are up to mischief and try to get ahead in the race, but others soon take the lead. When Tigey swerves to avoid hitting a butterfly, the pair must stop to repair a wheel. Unexpectedly, the Flying Pandinis, two oval-shaped pandas and a turtle who are ace mechanics, stop to help get them back on the road. The Pandinis and Mama Lion and Tigey take first and second place--in spite of the Monkeys' shenanigans. Deftly executed watercolors present the action inspired by road races in a lush Italian countryside. Fascinating details are included on each spread. (Children will likely spot a cameo appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog and Mo Willems's Pigeon before adults notice.) By the race's end, Tigey comes to appreciate Mama Lion's initial, measured response to his enthusiasm: "Winning is fun, but it isn't everything." VERDICT Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet story make this a pleasing and palatable read-aloud and a subtle lesson for younger children.--Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library

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