A Lion is a Lion
on Goodreads (250)
What’s inside...
Is a lion still a lion if he wears a hat? With whimsical illustrations and a nod to earlier classics, Polly Dunbar celebrates the shrewd mind of a child — and the power of saying no. A dapper lion wearing a hat and flourishing a cane invites himself inside a home, inquires about Auntie Sue, and engages in silly antics with two children. After devouring his lunch and contemplating dessert with his sharp teeth gleaming, the little girl bravely finds her voice in a satisfying way. The story is reminiscent of classic tales like The Cat in the Hat and The Tiger Who Came to Tea and ends on an exhilarating note.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a lion a lion? Is it how he looks, or how he acts?
How did you feel when the lion came to tea? Would you invite him back?
What does it mean to be brave? Can you think of a time when you were brave like the characters in the book?
Why is it important to know when to say 'No'? How did the children in the story use this word?
How do you think the story would change if the lion was a different animal? Which animal would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Use different voices for different characters to make the reading experience more engaging and entertaining.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child to describe how the colors and drawings make them feel, emphasizing how visuals complement the story.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing their favorite scene or writing an alternative ending to foster deeper connection with the narrative.
Praise your child for their thoughts and responses to encourage open expression and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Setting boundaries
Explanation: In 'A Lion is a Lion', the children decide when the lion goes too far and ask him to leave, demonstrating the importance of setting personal boundaries.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding their comfort zones and expressing when something or someone makes them uncomfortable, ensuring their personal safety and well-being.
Example Lesson: The power of saying no
Explanation: When the lion's behavior turns threatening, the children in the story assertively tell him 'No'. This highlights the power and importance of vocalizing refusal or disagreement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it's okay to say no in situations where they feel pressured or unsafe, helping them develop assertiveness and confidence.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The children in the story assess the lion’s actions to differentiate between playful and harmful intentions, promoting critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to evaluate actions and intentions in their daily interactions, enhancing their judgment and decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: The importance of questioning appearances
Explanation: Initially, the lion appears friendly and charming, but his intentions change. This teaches children that not everything is as it seems.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop skepticism and critical observation skills, vital for navigating a world where appearances can be deceiving.