The Lion Inside
What’s inside...
In 'The Lion Inside', a timid mouse sets out on a journey to find his inner roar. Despite being the smallest creature in the African savanna, the mouse decides to ask the lion, the king of the beasts, for help. Through his quest, the mouse learns about courage, self-confidence, and the importance of speaking up for oneself. A bestselling story about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. In a dry dusty place where the sand sparkled gold, stood a mighty flat rock, all craggy and old. And under that rock in a tinyful house, lived the littlest, quietest, meekest brown mouse. Fed up of being ignored by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes ... and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion! A modern classic, The Lion Inside has sold over 200,000 copies in the UK alone and been translated into over 30 languages worldwide. 'A heartfelt message, delightfully conveyed.' Parents in Touch 'Captivating.' Books for Keeps 'A delight to read over and over again.' WRD
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the mouse felt when he first tried to talk to the lion?
What do you think makes someone brave?
Why is it important to have friends who are different from us?
Can you think of a time when you were scared like the mouse, but you did something brave?
How do you think the lion and the mouse helped each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt scared and faced your fears, encouraging your child to open up about similar feelings.
Use praise to encourage thoughtful responses, acknowledging when your child makes insightful observations or connects the book to their own experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's answers to delve deeper into the themes of bravery and friendship.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the characters and people they know in real life, fostering empathy and understanding.
Highlight the moral of the story and encourage your child to discuss how they can apply it in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and self-confidence
Explanation: In 'The Lion Inside', a small mouse musters the courage to ask a lion for help, demonstrating that bravery isn't about size but about the willingness to face one's fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing challenges at school or in social settings, understanding that being brave can help them grow and succeed.
Example Lesson: Friendship and compassion
Explanation: Despite their differences, the lion and the mouse develop a supportive friendship. This story exemplifies that kindness and understanding can overcome fear and lead to unexpected friendships.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be open to friendships with peers who may seem different, discovering common ground and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: The power of a small voice
Explanation: The mouse, though small, makes a significant impact by speaking up. The story promotes the idea that everyone's voice matters, regardless of their size or strength.
Real-World Application: In everyday life, this encourages children to express their thoughts and opinions confidently, teaching them their words can influence and contribute positively to any situation.