A Lion in the Meadow
A Lion in the Meadow is the first children's book written by the New Zealand author Margaret Mahy. Illustrations done by London artist, Jenny Williams. The book was first published in 1969 and won the 1975 Esther Glen Award.[1][2] It was also one of the books chosen to accompany Mahy's 2002 Hans Christian Andersen Award nomination.[3] The book was reissued in 1989 with a kinder ending.[2]
 | |
| Author | Margaret Mahy |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Jenny Williams |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's book |
| Publisher | J.M. Dent & Sons; Franklin Watts |
Publication date | 1969 |
| Pages | 28 |
| ISBN | 0460057812 |
Plot
A Lion in the Meadow follows a little boy who believes there is a lion living in a meadow behind his house.
Art
The art work presented is captured in many unique ways. It fumbles upon distinctive swirls, shapes, and colors that emphasizes the story line. The pictures by Jenny Williams has a slightly trippy vibe. With bold swirls and pinks, oranges and purples reflect the little boy's imagination and are mirrored by the mother's clothes and interior decor in the house.
Themes
The theme of the story is surrounded around the idea of over parenting, and taking a over bearing stance on child development. One where the parent tries to limit and restrict the imagination of the child.
References
- "Margaret Mahy". Storylines.org.nz. Auckland, New Zealand: Storylines Children's Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand. n.d. Archived from the original on 28 May 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- Blundell, Sally (23 April 2019). "Twist in the tale: Why Margaret Mahy changed the end of her classic debut". Noted. Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
- Margie Thomson (3 April 2002). "Mahy, a lion in our literary meadow". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
4. “A Lion in the Meadow.” Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand, www.hachette.co.nz/book/?id=a-lion-in-the-meadow-9781869713904.
5. Bloomfield, Jenny. “Jenny's Picture Book Review: 'a Lion in the Meadow' by Margaret Mahy and Jenny Williams.” Bloomfield & Rolfe, Bloomfield & Rolfe, 28 Apr. 2013, https://www.bloomfieldandrolfe.com/blog/2013/3/29/jennys-picture-book-review-a-lion-in-the-meadow-by-margaret-mahy-and-jenny-williams.