Tell Me a Story, Rory

This is another sympathetic story from Jeanne Willis in which a little girl has a close relationship with a lion who lives in her bedroom. The lion, Rory, cannot sleep without a bedtime story so the little girl tells him stories linked to her life: her first day at nursery and the birth of her baby brother. This is a symbiotic relationship between the two; the little girl creating stories and the lion listening and falling a sleep. However, all is not perfect for the two as the little girl is growing up and one day, she doesn't come back, much to the distress of Rory. Rory is very sad without her and has difficulty sleeping so he starts to tell himself stories about adventures he and the little girl have together; perhaps this way he can bring her back. The book is colourfully illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown and the illustrations bring the story very much to life. The lion is particularly attractive with a large frill around his head to represent his mane. It is a gentle story which could easily be extended with an early years class. Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Fiona Collins, consultant.

Suggested Reading Age 3+