Lion, Lion

Everything in this story is tied together. You will not understand the story without the clever illustrations and you won't understand the illustrations without the words. And throughout, there is a double meaning in both. Even the illustration on the cover gives you a clue as to what the story is really about. Spoiler alert: On the surface this is about a boy who is looking for his pet Lion and encounters a real, huge, hungry lion. He offers him supposedly several vegetarian options, all of which have hidden dangers to the lion. I don't know when the boy figures out where to find his kitten named Lion, possibly from the very beginning. That's the story within the story - rescuing Lion from the lion. Be sure and look at every page, even the dedication page which is actually the beginning of the story. At the end there is a clever twist. I didn't think that children would understand all of this but apparently they have less problems with it than adults because they can suspend reality easier. This is a very imaginative, simple yet complex story with a very clever little hero (and his pet mouse).

A winner! The perfect lap book. A clever story with a fun twist. Like all the best picture books should, it inspires interaction between reader and listener. After I finished it the first time, my son flipped back through it immediately. Teachers will love it for the great discussion that will surely follow, and the potential for spin-off creative writing. A staple in my library.

Works beautifully as a storytime read aloud, but be prepared to read it at least 2x, the kids will ask to go back once they see the twist. Day's retro-looking illustrations are impossibly charming and kids will spot (and love!) all the silly details in them.

I loved this book! The story is told evoking such delight, with both words and illustrations. I was absorbed enough by both that the ending came as a lovely surprise. I can't wait to see more by this author and illustrator.

This story kept my students' attention. It has a good build without a lot of words and an unexpected ending.

A book to savor since the twist will give children plenty to go back and have fun discovering clues they might have missed on earlier readings. Cute and clever!

Watch closely and don’t take your eyes off the page! Lion Lion is a perfect picture book where words and pictures are intricately intertwined to delight. Look away and you’ll miss the ending!

Wonderful pictures and story. My daughter’s favorite book!