When a lion decides to go into town to purchase a hat, he is surprised and hurt by the violent reaction of the villagers. After the frightened townsfolk take up pitchforks and chase him away, he hides in the playhouse of a little girl named Iris (who is not afraid of lions). Capable Iris brushes the lion's mane, bandages his wounds, and comforts his hurt feelings. The two quickly become playmates, sharing stories and games, and carefully hiding from Iris's mum and dad. Their happiness is short-lived, however, and soon Iris's mum's terrified screams send the lion running for a different hiding place. From his new vantage point, camouflaged between two stone lions near town hall, the lion witnesses a burglary, and by capturing the thieves, ultimately wins over the village. His reward? A hat, of course, and the thanks of an enlightened citizenry. Stephens' expressive illustrations have a classic feel, and her generous use of white space appropriately focuses reader attention on Iris and the lion and their gentle camaraderie. Her characters portray a wide-range of emotions through subtle changes in expression. In particular, the lion, though silent throughout, is sure to elicit sympathy from young audiences as he visibly transforms from a scared, worried, and hesitant fugitive to a blissfully content and affectionate companion. The well-paced text creates a satisfying narrative arc, and Iris is a winning protagonist, sensible and compassionate and much braver than the grown-ups. A simple story well-told that is sure to charm preschool and early elementary audiences. An unlikely friendship is forged between girl and lion when a lion seeks refuge in a little girl's playhouse. The townspeople chased the lion away out of fear and Iris befriended him. Hiding him isn't easy, but it is super cute to behold as a reader and when her parents discover the lion he takes to the road again. It takes a brave act (thwarting burglars) to change his public opinion, but in the end the lion gets all that he ever wanted in the first place: a hat.I loved all the small vignettes that showcase Iris and the lion's time spent together. I also liked the bits of plot that weren't explained such as why the lion sought a hat, who cares, it's fun. Good read aloud for PreK-2.
What do You think about Come Nascondere Un Leone (2012)?
It's the flip side of Peter Brown's Mr. Tiger Goes Wild!
—susan
LOVE this book; cannot wait to read this to Madam.
—jennirodz
Very cute, both pictures and the story.
—skatergirl_26
