How to Hide a Lion

Booklist (December 15, 2013 (Vol. 110, No. 8))

Preschool-Grade 2. Iris is a very little girl and a lion is a very large animal, but Iris cleverly manages to hide one in her house. After the lion runs away from angry townspeople—he’s in town to buy a hat—the gentle creature seeks refuge in Iris’ backyard. The girl sneaks him past her mom and dad and tries to make him as inconspicuous as possible; when her mom is brushing her teeth, for instance, the lion is hiding in the bathtub. Soon, of course, the jig is up, and the lion runs back into town, posing as a statue between two stone lions. From this vantage point, he has a clear view of robbers who break into the town hall and his “ROAR!” alerts police. The lion is declared a hero and presented with his most coveted item: a hat. Stephens’ mild-mannered lion, with his long nose and upturned mouth, makes for every child’s fantasy friend. Full of warmth and humor, this story of bravery and kindness—and the importance of dapper accessories—has the feel of a classic.