A Lion Is a Lion

This is a fun story with an edge, and children will (one hopes) pick up instantly that danger lurks in their new visitor, a lion. We are used, in picture books, to seeing fierce animals (such as lions) being unveiled as warm and cuddly and in need of a friend. This isn't that kind of picture book. 'Is a lion still a lion if....he wears a hat? And is a lion still a lion if... he carries an umbrella, too?' This lion seems very friendly, and playful, and the little boy and girl whom he has visited have lots of fun with him - until suddenly it's lunch time! 'Is a lion still a lion if... his eyes are bright, and his teeth oh-so-pearly-white and he looks like he might just... BITE!' With it's Seuss-like turn in the final pages, the children get the upper hand and learn to say 'No! No! No! NO!', so delivering brilliantly a message about keeping safe, and learning to say 'No' if something makes them feel uncomfortable. I'd say this is a must-have in the classroom for its message. You can use it alongside stories like A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing to reinforce the message, and to encourage comparison between the two stories. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Alice Ewell.

Suggested Reading Age 5+