“Latimer’s illustrations are quirky and dryly funny…older children will appreciate Latimer’s edginess.” ―The New York Times

“Latimer’s digital colored-pencil illustrations humorously capture the funny details of the contests, such as Lion’s paint-splattered stick drawing of a dinosaur compared to Rabbit’s rendition of the Mona Lisa (with bunny ears). Readers will laugh at the surprise revelation that a colony of wily rabbits was in on the success. This quirky twist on ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ is a winner.” ―School Library Journal

“Latimer’s digitally colored pencil cartoons are full of funny details (a TV color test appears in Lion’s thought bubble during a trivia challenge), and while he lets readers in on Rabbit’s secret to success, Lion simply gets a satisfying, fable-worthy comeuppance.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Precise, digitized pencil illustrations utilize simple lines, patterns and colors to highlight Lion’s mean and silly bullying antics… Readers with sharp eyes will be rewarded with numerous amusing visual details, including hidden hints about how Rabbit outwits Lion. A droll, nonthreatening tale of bullying in the guise of a modern fable.” ―Kirkus Reviews

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“Latimer does the trope justice and adds a nice twist to the story line: a last reveal that should make readers smile, playing off a rabbit’s capacity to multiply… Bright art and boxy-looking critters will seem familiar to fans of Latimer’s earlier books. Meanwhile, plenty of busy asides allude to Rabbit’s quick thinking, and evocative but simple facial expressions help make the story lively. Readers should be pleasantly swept up in this underdog victory.” ―Booklist Online

“Featuring bold, uniquely stylized color illustrations Lion vs. Rabbit is an original picture book intended for young readers ages 4-8… A gentle, playful parable…” ―Midwest Book Review

“Droll details and comic characterizations add wild panache. The story’s skewed humor and buoyant charm delight on their own, but the regular opportunities for the listener to know just a little more than the protagonist elevate this outing from mere felicity to full-on fun.” ―Butler’s Pantry

“Such a charming book… The twists are wonderful and the message regarding bullying is clear.” ―Kid Lit Reviews

“Students will love the illustrations Latimer has created… This book will be just the mentor text for this type of writing. The story structure is clear. The problem is evident. The events are funny. The solution is perfect.” ―Reflect and Shine

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Children’s Choices ―International Reading Association, Children’s Book Council, 2014

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2013

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2014

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Storytelling World Resource Awards (Honor, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World, 2015

Virginia Readers’ Choice (Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2015-2016

Alabama Camellia Awards (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2014-2015

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Maryland Association of School Librarians, 2014-2015

Goldfinch Award (Nominee) ―Iowa Association of School Librarians, 2016-2017

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Washington Library Media Association, 2015

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Alex Latimer lives in South Africa near the border of a national park. So when not writing or drawing, he spends his free time shooing baboons out of his lounge. He has written several picture books for children. You can visit his website here.