About this book

Start your engines: The race is on! And Mama Lion and Tigey are off -- with their cool goggles and snazzy sports car!

Racing teams gather from far and wide for this madcap race. But who will take home the big trophy? Will it be the playful Flying Pandinis? The mischievous Knitted Monkey crew? Or will Mama Lion and Tigey speed past the finish line in first place?

While everyone hopes to win, it's the journey itself -- filled with joy, beauty, fun, and friendships -- that is the best prize of all.

With cars inspired by the early days of Italian motor racing, and characters based on his children's beloved toy animals, Jon J Muth has created a uniquely spellbinding book that readers will return to again and again.

Reviews

Praise for Mama Lion Wins the Race:

* "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."-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Muth's artistic talents are at full speed here. His stuffed animal–like 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, its 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." -- Booklist, starred review

* "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… [T]he important thing is not the goal but the journey, and gratitude for all living things." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Deftly executed watercolors present the action inspired by road races in a lush Italian countryside. Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet story make this a pleasing and palatable read-aloud and a subtle lesson for younger children." -- School Library Journal, starred review
"The vibrant art is expressive and dynamic, and the speed and adrenaline of the race are ably captured in the skillful compositions… great fodder for discussions about kindness and competition." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Recommended