New friendships, surprising turns, heroic deeds -- and amazing racing cars! 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. 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 Jon J Muth is beloved all over the world for his seven books featuring Stillwater the Panda, whose love and balanced approach to life always serve to make the world a better place for his young friends. Muth's many enchanting picture books include his Caldecott Honor Book Zen Shorts, Addy's Cup of Sugar, Stone Soup, and The Three Questions, which the New York Times Book Review called "quietly life-changing." His books have been translated into more than 23 languages and are cherished by readers of all ages. Muth draws inspiration from his life-long interest in Asian Studies, including tai chi chuan, sumi ink drawing, and chado, "the way of tea." Muth is also renowned in the world of graphic novels. He won an Eisner Award for his paintings in the graphic novel, The Mystery Play by Grant Morrison. He's partnered with Neil Gaiman on The Sandman: The Wake, Walter and Louise Simonson, and Kent Williams on Havoc & Wolverine: Meltdown, J. M. DeMatteis on Moonshadow and Silver Surfer, and with Stanislaw Lem on The Seventh Voyage which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Adaptation in Another Medium. He lives in New York State with his wife and their four children. 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...