Pig Pig Meets the Lion    by David McPhail Order:  USA  Can Charlesbridge, 2012 (2012) Hardcover      Reviewed by Bob Walch This is one of those picture books that demands you pay close attention from the time you open it to the very, very end. David McPhail starts the story, if you will, on the inside cover with an illustration that pictures a lion escaping from the zoo. Before you even get to the first page of text you'll notice other illustrations (like on the title page) that show the lion's journey to Pig Pig's room. When you do flip to page one, there's the lion standing on Pig Pig's bed. What a surprise! But, of course, the observant reader knows how he actually got there. From this point on, Pig Pig and his guest have a rollicking time racing around the house. It may look like the lion is chasing what he perceives to be his breakfast, but that's not the case. Fortunately, this is a friendly lion and the chase is really just a form of play and/or bonding. There's a little humor here also. When Pig Pig tells his mother that there's a 'lion on the TV', he's not kidding. That's exactly where the lion is sitting! Eventually Pig Pig's new friend has to return to the zoo. At least that's what is apparently about to happen. But ... Well, take a good look at the final illustration on the back cover. There's something there that suggests a sequel may be in order! You'll also notice that the author uses a lot of prepositions that are printed in bold face type. Look closely and you'll see that the accompanying illustration nicely provides an example of how that preposition works. For example when the lion climbs up onto a chair and then the chair tips over, that's exactly what happens. You'll have fun reading this picture book about Pig Pig and Lion, plus it offers a little practice for the beginning reader too. After a few sessions your preschooler should be able to provide the bold face words. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews