How to Be a Lion

by Ed Vere

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, But 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.

• ISBN10: 0525578056
• ISBN13: 9780525578055
• Publish Date: 26 June 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 32
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780525578055

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

How to Be A Lion by Ed Vere was a fun story featuring a lion named Leonard and a duck named Marianne who become fast friends. Leonard loves writing poems and discovers Marianne does too.

The Royals and I loved their friendship. When other lions discovered Leonard was friends with a duck they became quite upset. After all, that's not how a lion is supposed to act. Princess Sophia was not at all happy with those lions and worried that Leonard would listen. I loved how involved she got and the emotions she expressed. She stood up declaring, "He can be friends with anyone Nonna!" "Isn't that right Nonna?" This led to wonderful discussions about embracing our differences, pursuing things we like and the acceptance of others and their choices. 

 How to Be A Lion address so many issues. It's ok to be you, to be different. It also teaches children to stand up for their friends.  I loved the message and how the story allows for discussion.  What would you do?  What should Leonard do? How do you think Marianne felt?  It was delivered in a simple fashion with illustrations that highlighted the text without overwhelming it. Grab a copy for your bookshelf or gift one to your child's classroom.  This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer