The book is on friendship and new challenges, hence celebrating courage, mindfulness and being true to self.

Note: I received an F&G of this book at an ALA conference. ( )

This is a book I would use for second or third grade. This book includes things like friendship, and being yourself. ( )

Leonard is a gentle lion who likes to daydream and make up poems. Instead of chomping a duck, he makes friends with her. But Leonard and Marianne's friendship angers the other lions. What will Leonard do? Make up a poem, of course, with Marianne's help:

"I'll say this quietly,
I needn't roar to be heard,
I can be a friend
to a bee or a bird.
You said I must change, I must chomp Marianne,
but chomping your friends is a terrible plan.
Let nobody say
just ONE way is true.
There are so many ways
that you can be you.
If there MUST be a must, then this we must try...
Why don't you, be YOU,
And I, will be I."

Toxic masculinity, begone!

*

Re-read (at a friend's house) March 2020; had forgotten it almost entirely, and enjoyed it all over again. ( )

Leonard is not like the other lions. He is gentle, kind and he writes poetry. The other lions do not understand. They think all lions should be the same.
This title is recommended for ages 3-kindergarten. It is a great read aloud for storytimes. The author uses both words and illustrations to craft a story about a misunderstood lion. It would also work for older students for the book a day program. The title is thought provoking and would foster discussion about what it means to be yourself. ( )