Christian, the Hugging Lion

Richardson and Parnell, the writing team behind "And Tango Makes Three", turn to another heartwarming real-life animal story in this retelling, the second picture book to star Christian, following 2009's "Christian the Lion". In subtly evocative prose, the authors emphasize storytelling as they hit the major plot points of the now familiar story: Ace and John's discovery of the lion cub in a cage at Harrods, Christian's adventures and growing pains in London (Christian became a very well-behaved little cub. Most of the time), the eventual delivery of the lion to Kenya, and the trio's climactic reunion when Ace and John return to find Christian grown-up and with cubs of his own. With a dramatic leap, Christian rejoins his friends in a jubilant embrace that fills an entire wordless spread. Playing off the understated text to humorous effect, Bates ("Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight") contributes balmy watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations that highlight Christian's playfulness, as he sprawls out on Ace and John's sofa or gives clumsy hugs at the pub. It's a tender and particularly kid-friendly version of Christian's story. Ages 48. "(Apr.)" Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

"In subtly evocative prose, the authors emphasize storytelling as they hit the major plot points of the now familiar story...Playing off the understated text to humorous effect, Bates contributes balmy watercolors...that highlights Christina's playfulness...It's a tender and particularly kid-friendly version of Christian's story."—Publishers Weekly