If I were a lion by Kitty Black and Giuseppe Poli

With the most arresting illustrations, sure to evoke lots of discussion, the story about the lion in all of us will intrigue all readers as they emulate the behaviours described by the main character.  Being a lion would help her overcome not being heard within the family. As a lion she could be fierce, wild and free.

Each double page begins with the title phrase, followed by a short pithy sentence stating what she would do.  One page tells us that being a lion would mean her voice would be heard, being a lion means she would see things clearly, as brightly as her sharp teeth. If she was a lion she would dance and dance, to the beat of her own jungle drum. As a lion she could listen to her body when it tells her she is tired and lounge on the sofa.

All the possibilities are exposed as the girl remains on one side of the page, then the lion takes her place on the facing page. The comparison is very funny as the girl takes on a lion’s properties and revels in the behaviour shown. She is laugh out loud funny as the lion looks at the lady with hunger in her eyes or dances across the page, or has a balloon burst in its face. Each page evokes laughter and discussion as the minimal style of illustration is distinctively different from the usual illustrations explored in a picture book. Watch out for the lion lounging along the back of the sofa, or the lion rolling around in the mud, or the lion in the wheelchair. Each image demands close inspection, as the comparison is very telling of the needs of a young person wanting some recognition. As a lion they can make their needs heard, even if they have to roar.

There will be many enchanted readers roaring like a lion at the end of this book.

Themes: Lions, Affirmation, Self awareness, Behaviour.

Fran Knight