#blogbookaday: How To Be a Lion

Summary: 

“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.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

Leonard isn’t like the other lions – fierce and ready to chomp whatever comes across his past. He likes to take walks, write poetry, and spend time on his thinking hill. Leonard meets a duck named Marianne and they become quick friends. Soon, he must stand up for himself and for Marianne in the best way he knows how.

Personal Reaction: 

This is a story about being true to yourself, empathetic to others, and standing up for yourself and friends. When I first starting reading this story, it reminded me a lot of The Story of Ferdinand by Leaf Munro. I loved that Leonard has a thinking hill and that he likes to write poetry and his unexpected best friend is a duck. This would be a wonderful book to read aloud in a classroom setting. It’s full of great discussion starters about bullying and courage. It would also make a great introduction for a poetry unit!

Title: How To Be a Lion
Author: Ed Vere
Illustrator: Ed Vere
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 26, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018.You’ll get a brief summary, a review of the content, illustrations, theme, and my personal reaction to the book! Enjoy!