Welcome to another edition of Nonna’s Corner where I share books I’ve read with my grandchildren, affectionately referred to as the Royals. Today I have a hardcover edition of How to be A Lion by Ed Vere.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Children’s Random House is sharing books that help spread the world. How to be A Lion sends the perfect message to young ones. Grab a cup of coffee and see why we loved Leonard and Marianne.
by Ed Vere
Genres: Childrens
Pages: 32
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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 courage.
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.
- Age Range: 3 – 7 years
- Grade Level: Preschool – 2
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Barbara Strickland
What a lovely little book
Kimberly
We enjoyed it!
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
My niece and nephew are 4 and I think that they would really like this one. I like the fact that it deals with a lot of issues. I think that they might need a few books for Christmas this year 🙂
Kimberly
It opens the door for discussion and I loved that.
Laura Thomas
Thanks for sharing your review. This would be perfect for my Kid’s Korner feature. I enjoy sharing children’s books that are fun while also teaching important life lessons.
Kimberly
I hope you are able to read and review it.
Sophia Rose
Great theme! And yes, start teaching it young through books is a great idea. 🙂
Kimberly
Agreed Sophia.
Angela Adams
I love when Nonna gives us a review — especially on a book with such an important topic. Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Thanks Angela.
Melliane
Oh cute one there!
Kimberly
Indeed!
Tyler H. Jolley
What a great book. And yes, I completely agree, its timing is perfect. A much needed book for everyone. (Even some adults!)
Kimberly
How true Tyler.
ShootingStarsMag
I love how into the book Sophia got – she definitely knew the message already! Sounds like a really cute book.
-Lauren
Kimberly
Thanks Lauren. She is so funny and yes she is protective of others.
Silvia
I’m so happy when books spread the word about such important matters, and this one sounds like a real winner! It’s one I’d definitely gift to a young reader and, why not, I’d read it myself 🙂
Kimberly
I agree. It opens the door for discussion.
kindlemom1
Yay! Is it weird that I’m excited they are starting to talk more about this at a younger age? Awareness is everything!!
Kimberly
Nope. I think its awesome too.
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts
Aww, this sounds so cute and I’m so glad How to be a Lion teaches so many lessons and deals with so many issues for young readers. ?
Kimberly
This was cute and perfect for talking about issues kids face.