Lion Needs a Haircut

PreS-Gr 1--Little Lion is looking rather unkempt. The cub's overgrown, rust-colored mane hangs in his face, gets in his food, and hampers his reading, but he has plenty of excuses for why a haircut is unnecessary. Though Dad assumes he understands why his son doesn't want to go to Goatee's Barber Shop, he is surprised upon learning the real reason: His son wants to look look him. When Dad finds his son has turned the tables on him, there is only one simple solution to end the impasse, which ends up satisfying them both. The childlike hand-lettered text is printed in gray with the son's words in a paler shade than his father's. The colored pencil illustrations in pastel hues complement this universal tale of a common childhood situation. The lions' town is made up of a variety of animal species, such as goats, dogs, buffalo, pigs, and bears. VERDICT An enjoyable tale about a common childhood issue. A recommended purchase.--Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI

Turnabout is fair play in this shaggy dog--er, cat--story. Over spaghetti one night, a lion father declares, "You need a haircut." "No, I don't," says his scruffy progeny, insouciantly twirling a forkful of noodles. The parent persists, introducing reasons (some slightly terrifying) why the ask will turn out fine: "Barber Goat will take good care.... His scissors won't cut your ears." When the smaller lion finally admits that he "just wanted my hair to look like yours," the father confesses that he "used to be scared of scissors, razors, and blow dryers." The cub cleverly throws the gauntlet: "Oh, no problem, then. We can go to the barbershop together." Colored pencil art by Yum follows the sandal- and pattern-clad duo to Goatee's Barber Shop (animals peer out from store windows along the way), from which they emerge tidily shorn: "See, there was nothing to be worried about," says the cub, the very picture of good-natured ribbing and familial love. Ages 3-7. (May)