This story ranks right up there as one of the best of children's literature.  (It's been translated into several foreign languages, too.)  Beautifully illustrated with mixed-media collages that pair perfectly with the lyrical story that introduces color, descriptive language and the concept of making friends with someone with whom you may not share a common language.  Elisa Kleven's magical stories quickly become favorites at storytime, bedtime, anytime because they are just that - stories.  Stories that have a beginning, middle and end that engage your child in the best way possible.  So, we highly recommend The Lion and the Little Red Bird as one worth adding to your special library.  Welcomed as a baby shower gift, one year old or two year old or three year old birthday present and so on...you get the idea. Our copies are signed by the author/illustrator.  32 pages, paperback.