A Lion is A Lion
A Lion is A Lion
Polly Dunbar
40pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99
9781406371536
Before you start to read this entertaining book with your littlies, brainstorm all the words they associate with the image of a lion.
Most likely, the word “fierce” will be among those suggested.
BUT… is a lion still a lion if he wears a hat? Or carries an umbrella? Is he still fierce and angry and scary and any of those other words that were suggested?
Or does any of the other seemingly friendly things that this lion does when he comes to visit in this hilarious but cautionary tale?
Is there a reason we are warned to “never smile at a crocodile” or that “a leopard doesn’t change its spots”?
Rhythmic text and engaging illustrations carry this story at a rollicking pace, rather like an old-fashioned vaudeville act where you want to yell out and warn the children that there is a dastardly villain hiding in the wings and all is not what it seems! Provoke discussions about why the lion is dressing up and being so nice; draw parallels with the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood; start a conversation about stranger danger; and investigate the message of “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” But most importantly, enjoy a fun read!
