The Three Happy Lions

The Happy Lion introduced in the book of the same name, has even more reason to be happy in this story.  He has a partner he loves, and now they have a cub.  The cub, named François after their best friend the keeper’s son, is admired by all, ‘Comme il est joli, le petit lion!’ exclaim the children.  But for the first time in his life, the Happy Lion is worried – what job will his son do that will keep him happy when he grows up.  It’s a worry all parents will understand. The Lioness is more relaxed, he can be a pet, or work in a circus. François tries both with limited success, returning home to the friendly zoo where he shares his real career ambition with his parents.  He wants to be a gardener. Sure enough, he’s soon helping his namesake, the other François, who is now working in the zoo gardens and the two make the park more beautiful than it had ever been. As a story about family love, job satisfaction and being true to yourself, it can’t be beaten.  The bold colours of Duvoisin’s mid-century artwork are as striking and as engaging as they were on their first publication, and his sense of movement and composition is second to none. Louise Fatio’s text too is full of warmth and humour and its sprinkling of French phrases charming – a lovely opportunity for the very young to experience another language (there are teacher notes around this on the publisher website).