(B'ville impulse.)

Had to spend time with it to get used to the different style of illustration. Didn't realize until I was done that it's by the author of the Zen books, but it does have an 'Eastern philosophy' sort of lesson. I both enjoyed and appreciated it... hopefully some little race car fans or competitive families will, too. ( )

Mama Lion and Tigey enter an exciting race in this entertaining and ultimately heartwarming picture-book adventure from author/illustrator Jon J. Muth. Although initially in the lead, an incident in which they must swerve to avoid a beautiful butterfly leaves them with a tire off. Fortunately, the mechanically gifted Flying Pandinis stop to help them, and they are soon back on the road. Overtaking the lead, they look ready to win, until Mama suggests that they hold back a little. It turns out that there's more than one way to win...

At fifty-six pages, Mama Lion Wins the Race is quite long for a picture-book, with a fairly text-heavy narrative, making it ideal for older children. I frequently get requests at work for more advanced picture-books, with more story to them, and this is definitely one I will go to in the future, when I get such queries. The tale itself is both engrossing - it's a race, after all! - and heartwarming, while the artwork is colorful and exiting. I've read and appreciate numerous other Jon J. Muth titles before this, and feel that the visuals here were in a slightly more vivid palette than he usually uses. Perhaps that was just my perception because of the subject matter. In any case, I'd recommend this one to Muth fans, and to anyone looking for longer picture-books with an engaging story-line. ( )

I really enjoyed this book!!! when I picked it out I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it which is why i decided to go with it, but i loved the message, there is more than one way to win a race! I think that this books will allow its reader to think broadly about winning. There are always going to be winners and even though you lost the race doesn't mean you lost the race, because you may gain something else. for example, Mama Lion and Tigey gained new friends the Pandinis.
"Those amazing flying Pandinis stopped to help us, even though it meant they could lose," said Mama Lion. "There aren't many friends in this world who would give up winning a race for you. I would say that we won some very good friends today." I feel like this just sums up what the book is about. I also loved the plot twist, they were just about to win the race but they slowed down so that their friends could win especially for helping them. Some readers may have not seen that coming and maybe even learned something from it.

really, really long ...