The Owl and the Lemming by Roselynn Akulukjuk and illustrated by Amanda Sandland, Inhabit Media, 9781772271201, 2016
Format: Hardcover
Rating: (1-5, 5 is a starred review) 5
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? This story is based on a traditional Inuit story. Reminiscent of the Aesop fable about the proud crow, this story shows how one’s pride can get in the way of a delicious dinner. When a lemming emerges from her den and is cornered by an owl, she knows that her only escape is to outwit the owl. Sure enough she does and when the owl goes back to his father to report the incident, I laughed when the wise owl put his wing around his son and told him, “next time, don’t play with your food.” The illustrations are wonderful and the story is told in an engaging manner.
Anything you didn’t like about it? I liked everything about it.
To Whom Would You Recommend this book? This is recommended for ages 5-8. Children need to be a little older to understand the moral, and the humor.
Who should buy this book? This would be good for elementary school libraries and public libraries that have a children’s section.
Where would you shelve it ? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Sandra Pacheco, ESL teacher, Washington, D.C.
Date of review: Feb. 3 2017
Youth Services Book Review 
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