Mama Lion Wins the Race

Starred review from May 8, 2017
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.

Starred review from May 15, 2017
In this departure for Muth from his Zen books about Stillwater the panda, several stuffed animals speed across a glorious European countryside in classic race cars--and on one impressive motorcycle--and, with some strategic help from Mama Lion, everyone wins. The race begins in a town square with gathered crowds, mostly stuffed toys with cameo appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog and Mo Willems' ambitious Pigeon. "The world is beautiful," thinks Mama Lion as Tigey drives their red car zooming over green, poplar-studded hills. "The world is friendly." Muth's colors in gouache and watercolor pencil richly convey the blue sky of summer, the sleek vehicles with their shiny chrome accents, and the individual characters in the ensemble of stuffed toys. There's a charming, playful nod to "The Tortoise and the Hare" and some comical antics by a trio of Knitted Monkeys. When Tigey and Mama Lion lose a wheel in a sudden stop, the rotund Flying Pandini brother and sister come to their aid--but the race is still close. The joy of speed, the excitement of obstacles, the reassurance of friendship and assistance, and the satisfaction of having the race turn out just the right way are nicely in proportion. The generous trim size and edge-to-edge art support the exuberant presentation. Delightful and sweet, with a dose of whimsy and the special appeal of fast cars and competition. (Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from July 1, 2017

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

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 1, 2017
Preschool-G *Starred Review* It's race day! Mama Lion and her young pal Tigey are set to hop in their sports car and take on the Flying Pandinis, Bun Bun on her motorbike, and the unscrupulous Knitted Monkey Crew. As the vehicles fly through the Italian countryside, it is full speed ahead until Tigey swerves to avoid hitting a butterfly, and a wheel comes off. Repairs prove difficultuntil the Pandinis stop to offer a helping paw. But not all fellow racers are so considerate. The monkeys, for instance, toss banana peels to foul up their fellow contestants. At the last moment, right when it seems as if Mama Lion and Tigey might win, they let the Pandinis take first place. Mama's explanation about friendship being more important than winning is a bit didactic, but still welcome. Muth's artistic talents are at full speed here. His stuffed animallike lion and tiger, along with toy characters seemingly drawn from other storybooks, are delights, and racing-lovers will adore the takes on early Italian racing vehicles. Mostly, though, it's Muth's freedom of art that entrances. The strong palette, perpetual motion, swirls of color, and unexpected perspectives are all underpinned by the solid values of courtesy, respect, and friendship that move gracefully through the story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)