King Lion

It’s tough being a king, and even harder when you’re fundamentally misunderstood. The lonely lion in this picturebook wants to make friends with his subjects, but all they see are his DANGEROUS claws, his DEAFENING roars and his DRIPPING jaws. No wonder they all run away!

As Emma Yarlett’s expressive artwork and sensitive text make plain, lonely creatures don’t thrive on such a response, and soon King Lion is almost wild with sadness. Every night he howls his pain into the darkness from the highest roof, and his fearful subjects batten down the hatches. STAY indoors, SAVE lives, says one billboard, with a dash of the characteristic humour that endears this book to its audiences (including time-pressed adults reading it ‘just once more’ at bedtime…)

Happily for King Lion, one of his youngest subjects – also lonely – eventually questions the status quo and uses logic, empathy and judgement to devise a solution. The next day as King Lion prowls his empty kingdom, she is waiting for him. With a sensitive and respectful nod to the fact that many people need more time and support to learn the art of friendship than is often recognised in picture books, the lion takes a little while to understand what it is to BE a friend, as well as to NEED one. But they get there in the end, and the final page reveal leaves everyone on a heartwarming note.

Emma Yarlett’s punchy artwork sings with colour, and thoughtful layouts encourage emotional involvement and speedy page turns. Rhythmically balanced and with just enough ‘exciting words’ to stimulate rather than overwhelm young audiences, Emma’s text makes its points economically and effectively, and is a pleasure to read aloud. Note that an apparently hand-lettered cursive font is used, which is easy on the eye but may be challenging for young readers.

This heartening and reassuring book fosters a strong sense of wellbeing, and adults looking for ways to promote constructive discussions with young children about loneliness and friendship will be well pleased. But King Lion delivers its message at the heart of an involving and well-written story, brought to life with stunning images that ensure that message is felt and remembered, as well as heard.