How to Be a Lion by Ed Vere - ESSENTIAL

How to Be a Lion by Ed Vere. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random House), 2018. $18. 9780525578055

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Everyone thinks that lions have to be a certain way, but Leonard is not fierce like excepted, instead he is gentle and thoughtful. He makes friends with a duck and likes to take quiet walks and think deep thoughts.  He even likes to write poetry.  When challenged for his way, he writes a poem that just may have the ability to change the world.

Leonard is a character to love.  He is gentle and has an important message to share with readers about just being ourselves. The illustrations are all monochromatic and stylized so they probably appeal more to a mature reader than a young reader.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher