Will I love Library Lion?

I particularly enjoy the deadpan humor of this book, in which a lion wanders into a library for its children’s story hour. Once the last story is read, the lion roars his disapproval that the story hour has ended. This brings him into confrontation with the no-nonsense librarian, Miss Merriweather, who informs the lion that if he cannot be quiet, he will have to leave.

The charm of this story lies in the gentle way in which the lion adapts to library rules and becomes Miss Merriweather’s helpmate. As one might expect, Mr. McBee, the tattletale circulation clerk, finds an… show more.

My grandchildren love this story about a loveable lion who shows up one day at Miss Merriweather’s library. Though he’s careful to follow the strict library rules, the day comes when he must help everyone understand that sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Featuring captivating illustrations by Kevin Hawkes, Library Lion is a joyous marriage of image and text. 

This beautiful “tail” of inclusion subtly reminds us not to judge a book by its cover. A lion is allowed library visits as long as he follows the rules. Everyone soon loves the helpful creature, except Mr. McBee, in circulation, who views him with suspicion. When the head librarian gets hurt, the lion must decide between obeying the quiet rule or roaring for help. Afterward, he hangs his head and leaves.

The story brought tears to my eyes when, in a moment of empathy and redemption, Mr. McBee realizes how sad the lion’s absence makes the head librarian feel. So,… show more.

This one by Michelle Knudsen is for the little and future book lovers. Library Lion is not only lovingly illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, it also tells a story of being courageous, thinking outside the box, and of having an open heart for everybody. My 8-year-old nephew loves reading this one with me again and again - including some loud roars of course - and I am the proud auntie that sees him being into libraries and lions as I am.