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*Jim (Who Ran Away from His Nurse, and Was Eaten by a Lion): A Cautionary Tale* by Hillaire Belloc and Mini Grey, illustrated by Mini Grey
 
Also written or illustrated by Mini Grey:

Space Dog

Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey

Out of the Woods

Ginger Bear

Into the Woods

The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon

Jim (Who Ran Away from His Nurse, and Was Eaten by a Lion): A Cautionary Tale
by Hillaire Belloc and Mini Grey, illustrated by Mini Grey
Grades 3-5 26 pages Knopf September 2010 Hardcover    

This beautiful book is a vibrant and artistic adaptation of the classic cautionary tale by Hilaire Belloc (1870-1935). It is the story about Jim, a young boy who lives a perfect, if somewhat mundane, life filled with friends, tea and cakes. One day his nurse (or nanny) takes him to the zoo. Jim intentionally slips away from her and is gobbled up by a lion.

The large format book contains pop-ups, lift-the-flaps and detailed illustrations to make each page an adventure in itself and fun to read over and over again. The front and back inside covers are filled with adages and tongue-in-cheek advice to children such as, “If you can’t be good, be careful,” or “Children should be eaten not heard.”

This book is a delight for parents to read to their children. Be warned however, that there are several somewhat playful warnings about ‘the miserable end’ and that the book is ‘not for those of a nervous disposition’ – referring to the demise of a child who doesn’t listen, but also referring to the comic depiction of the partially devoured boy.

So, when deciding on this book for a child, remember, it is not for the faint of heart, but any child who loves a little wicked humor and gore will lap up this book as quickly as the lion ate Jim. Highly recommended for adults and children alike.
 


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  Maya Fleischmann/2011 for curled up with a good kid's book  






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