Synopses & Reviews
From the creators of
The World's Greatest Elephant comes the real-life story of the MGM Studios Lion.
Perhaps the most recognizable Hollywood animal--outside of Lassie--is "Leo the Lion," MGM Studios' famous mascot. For decades his image introduced hundreds of motion pictures, and Zamba the lion acted in dozens more. But he wasn't always a Hollywood star, and he certainly proved to be much more.
This real-life story of Zamba, told by world-renowned animal behaviorist Ralph Helfer and Caldecott Honor recipient Ted Lewin, follows the famous lion from an orphaned cub in Africa to iconic Hollywood actor. But Zamba's greatest role wasn't scripted and it certainly wasn't captured on film. In 1969, the canyon that housed Ralph Helfer's animal ranch was ravaged by floods. As death claimed many of the animals, dozens were led to safety by one heroic lion.
Zamba's story, beautifully told and illustrated, is one that will entertain and inspire--both cubs and lions.
Review
“The World’s Greatest Lion ably chronicles this leonine rags-to-riches tale." The New York Times Online Book Review
Review
"A gorgeously illustrated picture book . . . exciting, adorable, and arresting . . . Helfer’s genuine affection for his animal companion is always apparent and Lewin’s irresistible images make this title a worthwhile purchase."
School Library Journal
Review
Caldecott Honor–winning Lewin fills his spreads with glorious images of African animals, highlighting the bonds that can unexpectedly form between different species.
Booklist
About the Author
Ted Lewin grew up in an old frame house in Buffalo, New York, with two brothers, one sister, two parents, a lion, an iguana, a chimpanzee, and an assortment of more conventional pets. The lion was given to his older brother, Don, while he was traveling as a professional wrestler, and he shipped it home. The family kept Sheba in the basement fruit cellar until Don returned and their mother convinced him to give it to the Buffalo zoo.
Ted always knew he wanted to be an illustrator. As a child he copied the work of illustrators and painters he admired, including N.C. Wyeth, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Velázquez, and Goya. When it came time to go to art school (Pratt), he needed to earn money to finance his education. So, following in his brother’s footsteps, he took a summer job as a wrestler—the beginning of a 15-year part-time career that eventually inspired his autobiographical book I Was a Teenage Professional Wrestler.
Ted’s career as an artist began with illustrations for adventure magazines, and it’s only over the last several years that he has devoted his time to writing and illustrating children’s books. “I’m having more fun doing this than anything I’ve ever done before,” he says. He is an avid traveler, and many of his books are inspired by trips to such places as the Amazon River, the Sahara Desert, Botswana, Egypt, Lapland, and India.
Ted and his wife Betsy live in Brooklyn, New York, where they share their home with two cats, Slick and Chopper.