Is a Lion Still a Lion?

This children’s picture book seems to be very sensible and sending a clear message that someone (the lion) can wear a hat, dance and make polite conversation or any number of things you wouldn’t expect a lion to do, however, the lion is STILL a lion.

Some of the text includes:

“Is a Lion still a Lion if… he wears a hat?”

“Is a Lion still a Lion if… he carries an umbrella too?”

The lion then pushes his way into the home of the two child protagonists by saying,

“May I come in? Don’t mind if I do.”

The looks on the children’s faces and their body language show confusion, uncertainty and reluctance at this uninvited and unwelcome intrusion into their home.

The lion then creates a ‘fun’ atmosphere with wild dancing. The children’s instincts are dulled and they are won over.

The atmosphere changes when the lion’s true nature is revealed - he becomes aggressive and indicates he intends to eat them.

The children’s answer to the question “Is a Lion still a Lion?” is…

“YES! A LION IS A LION IS A LION! And now it’s time to Go! GO! GO!”

The children hide under the table and long table cloth, the lion lifts the hem…

“OR… Is it time to simply say… No!”

“No, you may not come in - we DO mind if you do!”

The children throw him out of their home.

The text continues,

“So please remember, A LION IS ALWAYS A LION!” And do you think he’d like to eat you too?”

The lion (in hat and holding umbrella) reappears with a smile and says,

“Mmmm…Don’t mind if I do.”

The children shout,

“No, no, no Lion! You may NOT!

NOW…SHOO!”

I just LOVE this book!

Based!!!!

Some of my takeaways:

*A lion can change his appearance with clothes and accessories but he is STILL a Lion, no matter what else he’s pretending to be.

*You should be wary of lions trying to enter private places where they do not belong - trust your instincts.

*Lions can hide their true intent through disguise and smooth talking.

*Lions can be very pushy and determined.

*You can say no.

If anyone else has read this book - I’d be interested if you felt similarly or had a different perspective.

Sounds like a great rebuttal to that horrible “Brenda is a Sheep” book.

Yes - a breath of fresh air indeed. I am so pleased this book exists.

It’s actually a quality book, in my opinion - regardless of my politics.

I like the illustrations and the plot is interesting. The dramatic reveal of the lion’s duplicity and danger is well paced, without it being frightening.

Your take on the creepy grooming material for children is, unfortunately, spot on.

Thank you both for reading my review!

Thank you so much for letting us know about this book. I think I will purchase a copy for my kid.

Thank you for the review! This sounds really cute and silly, I will have to get it for my daughters :)