How to Be a Lion
by Ed Vere (Author)
From the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of Max the Brave comes an inspiring and adorable picture book about a pair of unlikely friends who face down a pack of bullies.
In this timely and charming story about the importance of being true to yourself, mindfulness, and standing by your friends, we meet Leonard, a lion, and his best friend Marianne, a . . . duck. Leonard and Marianne have a happy life together--talking, playing, writing poems, and making wishes--until one day a pack of bullies questions whether it's right for a lion and a duck to be pals. Leonard soon learns there are many ways to be a lion, and many ways to be a friend, and that sometimes finding just the right words can change the world...
This sweet, funny, thoughtful, and much-needed story will open up readers' eyes to the importance of being who they are and not backing down to hurtful criticism. It's an empowering tale about connecting with others and choosing kindness over bullying, and shows children how angry and provocative words can be overcome by empathy and inner courage.
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Publishers Weekly
Some people think there's only one way to be a lion, but Leonard is different. A gentle, Ferdinand-like soul, he's likely to be found on his "thinking hill," pondering and making poems. Lions usually devour ducks, but when Leonard meets web-footed Marianne, he asks for help with a poem he's writing, and the two become close friends, taking long walks and looking at the stars. When bullying lions try to intimidate Leonard into behaving the way other lions do ("Not chomping a duck? You've gone too far!"), Leonard and Marianne collaborate on a declaration in verse: "If there must be a must, / then this we must try.../ Why don't you, be you.../ And I, will be I." The story's confiding, narrative voice draws readers in close, while bold, scrabbly ink lines by British author-illustrator Vere (the Max picture books) add life and giggles to Leonard and Marianne's friendship. Vere's fable makes a watertight--and charming--case for ignoring the pressures of conformity. Ages 4-8. Agent: Barry Goldblatt Literary. (June)
Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3--Leonard is a lion like no other. Everyone thinks he should be a fierce and accomplished hunter. Instead, Leonard is gentle with a gift for putting words together in beautiful and creative ways. Leonard's friendship with Marianne, a poetic duck, surprises and infuriates many. Will Leonard and Marianne be able to withstand the judgment of others and grow their unique and lasting bond of friendship? This is a book that challenges children's assumptions and demonstrates that situations look different from different perspectives. It champions staying true to oneself and sticking to one's principles and by one's friends regardless of what others think. The book also beautifully highlights the power and beauty of the written and spoken word. The thick black outlines and blocks of reds, yellows, and oranges against stark black-and-white backgrounds represent the boldness in both text and message. VERDICT Children will feel empowered after reading such a deliberate story of unyielding strength and self-awareness. Thoughtful and provocative words to live by.--Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year An American Booksellers Association E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor Book
An NPR Best Books of 2018 selection
A New York Public Library Best Books of 2018 selection ★ "Positive role models showing boys how to be a whole person are few and far between these days. This marvelous book triumphs in that essential job."—Kirkus, starred review
"Children will feel empowered after reading such a deliberate story of unyielding strength and self-awareness. Thoughtful and provocative words to live by."—School Library Journal "A gentle, Ferdinand-like soul. . . . Vere's fable makes a watertight—and charming—case for ignoring the pressures of conformity."—Publishers Weekly "The spirit of Ferdinand the Bull is a alive and well in How to Be a Lion."—NPR "gently reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh"—BookTrust
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
JUV039100 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Peer Pressure
Poetry
Individuality
Ducks
Bullies
Lion
