Lion Lessons

Starred review from April 18, 2016
Bypassing storefronts that advertise karate, tutoring, and violin lessons, this book’s young narrator walks into a shop offering “Lion Lessons” and chooses a tawny, maned costume. His instructor, an actual lion, holds a degree from the Harvard School of Claw and teaches the “seven steps to becoming a lion.” At first, the professor finds his small student disappointing, because the boy underperforms at basic skills like Looking Fierce, Roaring, and Prowling Around. “I can see your tail,” the lion chides, when the boy hides in a bush. The boy hides behind a tree. “ ‘Your tail,’ said the lion. ‘I can still see it.’ ” Only when an emergency arises—a dog chases a kitten—does the apprentice pounce and roar convincingly. “Bravo!” says the lion. Agee’s (It’s Only Stanley) sentences are short and punchy, and he carves out gouache shapes in thick, deliberate ink outlines. He sets up a ridiculous situation with a straight face, approaching it with understated humor and leonine confidence. Ages 4–8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

May 1, 2016
Being a lion demands hard work."It's not easy getting your Lion Diploma. I know. I took lessons." Slipping into a lion costume, one eager, white human novice appeals to an expert--a lion who knows all seven steps necessary to becoming a lion. Before the lessons can commence, however, lion and cub must warm up. Blending sparse text with hilarious images, Agee mines a lot of humor during the ensuing workout montage, which includes yogalike poses ("Upward Lion," "Flying Lion") and a liberating shake of the mane. And thus, the hard work begins. As the lion helps the cub to look fierce, roar, and prowl around like a proud, dignified feline, the cub finds it difficult to measure up. "The lion checked my scores. 'This is not very promising.' " Comical details pepper each picture, whether in the background (for example, a certificate from Harvard School of Claw) or through the expressive faces of the characters. Bold lines and washed-out colors offer support, making sure each scene complements the gentle wit. Lessons unfurl in a good-natured breeze. Step No. 7 in the becoming-a-lion process, "Looking Out for Your Friends," tests the cub on everything learned thus far. Luckily, this student surpasses all expectations.A jubilant romp fit for a lion. (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from May 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-"It's not easy getting your Lion Diploma," says the human protagonist of Agee's latest picture book. The nameless lead must master seven lessons to get his degree and is taught by an expert in the field-a lion. Each step highlights the essential characteristics of a ferocious feline, such as speed, agility, the loudest roar, and the ability to pounce. Most of the boy's attempts end with less than satisfactory results, except for his last lesson-looking out for friends. The lion's wry expressions and criticism complement the boy's diligent pursuits. Agee's signature-style illustrations are composed of black marker lines that outline the setting and characters, with soft-colored chalk pastel washes. Those who enjoyed Milo's Hat Trick will welcome this comical and engaging tale.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2016
Grades K-2 *Starred Review* A boy walks down a street of dreamy possibilities where a host of storefronts offer ways to improve oneself by learning baking, knitting, yoga, and more. Our young wannabe chooses lion lessonsin seven easy steps. After suiting up, he and the lion warm-up with stretches that look suspiciously like yoga, and then begin with lesson one: looking fierce. Agee's lines are fluid as the boy strikes poses children will easily recognize from their own repertoire of scary stances. The lion is not impressed. The next lessons are not satisfactory either. They move from roaring, prowling around, and pouncing to choosing what to eat and sprinting. The magnificent design includes panels and page spreads all covered with Agee's deliberate, thick-outlined figures with soft hues and deeply expressive faces and gestures. Throughout, the good-natured protagonist is earnest, even worried, and with good reason: the lion is a solemn, tough evaluator who proclaims, This is not very promising. But step seven, looking out for your friends, is a game changer: when the boy sees a kitten (friend) chased by a threatening dog (foe), he instinctively springs into action, garnering accolades from his exacting instructor. This fun journey of character development neatly turns the conversation from the cowardice of bullies to what it means to be lionhearted, all in a delightful, subduedly comic package. Bravo!' said the lion. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)