Book Review: How to be a Lion by Ed Vere

★★★★★

Hi everyone!

They say a lion can’t be gentle. Well they haven’t met Leonard.

How to be a lion is inspired by the 2016 US presidential elections (meaning Donald Trump, but we’re all too polite to say it). The story is about a lion named Leonard, who isn’t fierce like the other lions, but one who is thoughtful, creative, and likes poetry. When he becomes friends with a duck named Marianne, the other lions don’t approve because ducks need to be ‘chomped’. However, Leonard stands up for himself and Marianne against the other lions, the only way he knows how.

The story is obviously one that is very relevant today. In my opinion, the current trend of breaking gender stereotypes has been overly focused on girls. With an overwhelming number of non-fiction books on inspirational women coming out for children, it is nice to see a story like this one for a change. Additionally, the choice of lion as the main character couldn’t have been better. If you ask me to name a ‘fierce’ animal, 9 out of 10 times I would probably say a lion, so I imagine children would too. It’s the fact that this picture book shows boys they can be sensitive and still be a lion that makes this picture book five stars for me.

I’m usually not a huge fan of this type of illustrations, but in this case I think they are perfect. The way Leonard contrasts with the ‘fierce’ lions is depicted clearly in the illustrations (not to mention that Leonard looks absolutely adorable). Moreover, the story is meant for young boys to identify with. Therefore, the fact that the lions look like they have been plucked from a young boy’s imagination will help achieve this.

All in all, How to be a Lion is a much needed, though-provoking picture book with an important lesson for young children, taught by the most lovable lion I’ve ever met.

If you would like to buy your own copy of How to be a Lion, you can do so at Book Depository.*

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I would like to thank Penguin Books UK and Puffin Books for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.