How to Be a Lion

April 23, 2018
Some people think there’s only one way to be a lion, but Leonard is different. A gentle, Ferdinand-like soul, he’s likely to be found on his “thinking hill,” pondering and making poems. Lions usually devour ducks, but when Leonard meets web-footed Marianne, he asks for help with a poem he’s writing, and the two become close friends, taking long walks and looking at the stars. When bullying lions try to intimidate Leonard into behaving the way other lions do (“Not chomping a duck? You’ve gone too far!”), Leonard and Marianne collaborate on a declaration in verse: “If there must be a must,/ then this we must try.../ Why don’t you, be you.../ And I, will be I.” The story’s confiding, narrative voice draws readers in close, while bold, scrabbly ink lines by British author-illustrator Vere (the Max picture books) add life and giggles to Leonard and Marianne’s friendship. Vere’s fable makes a watertight—and charming—case for ignoring the pressures of conformity. Ages 4–8. Agent: Barry Goldblatt Literary.

Starred review from April 1, 2018
A thoughtful lion decides whether he can be something other than fierce in this picture book.Leonard is a lion, and while he is aware that the general expectation of lions is to be fierce, he opts not to live up to it. Instead he notices "the grass under his paws," thinks up poems, and befriends Marianne, a duck. The other lions, stuck on the idea of fierceness, tell Leonard that they've heard he's gentle and makes up poems, but befriending a duck instead of "chomping" her is going "too far!" Leonard and Marianne wander off to their "thinking hill" to mull this over, and they come up with... a poem to share with the "fierce" lions. The nub of the poem (which is simple, profound, and utterly lacking in schmaltz) is, "why don't you, be you... / and I, will be I." Beyond this universal sentiment, however, lies a timelier one. Readers will see an alternative male role model in Leonard: a strong-looking lion who thinks for himself, choosing creativity and friendship over superficial toughness. Author/illustrator Vere's illustrations are sturdy in their rough black outlines and large swaths of muted color, but they're evocative, too, in Leonard's expressiveness and the predominantly orange/saffron palette that conjures the atmosphere of an African savanna.Positive role models showing boys how to be a whole person are few and far between these days. This marvelous book triumphs in that essential job. (Picture book. 2-8)

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June 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 3-Leonard is a lion like no other. Everyone thinks he should be a fierce and accomplished hunter. Instead, Leonard is gentle with a gift for putting words together in beautiful and creative ways. Leonard's friendship with Marianne, a poetic duck, surprises and infuriates many. Will Leonard and Marianne be able to withstand the judgment of others and grow their unique and lasting bond of friendship? This is a book that challenges children's assumptions and demonstrates that situations look different from different perspectives. It champions staying true to oneself and sticking to one's principles and by one's friends regardless of what others think. The book also beautifully highlights the power and beauty of the written and spoken word. The thick black outlines and blocks of reds, yellows, and oranges against stark black-and-white backgrounds represent the boldness in both text and message. VERDICT Children will feel empowered after reading such a deliberate story of unyielding strength and self-awareness. Thoughtful and provocative words to live by.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

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