GERALD THE LION

On an ordinary day, Gerald the lion explores a jungle that teems with dangers.

One morning, Gerald—whom readers will immediately identify as a gray house cat—decides to explore his neighborhood jungle, questing for adventure. In the trees, he listens to dangerous roars from creatures lurking in the branches (a flock of songbirds), so he keeps moving along. Next, he discovers alien-looking beings, perhaps from outer space (three large snails), so he does not stop. As his adventure continues, he passes by crocodiles (ducks), giants (an adult human pushing a baby in a pram), and something that could be a dragon (a friendly-looking brown dog) before realizing he has become lost. How will Gerald ever find home? Souhami’s simple text and lovable protagonist mirror the playful imaginations and mild fears of young children. Her simple but boldly colored illustrations will delight readers and keep the pages turning. The obvious textual irony makes this a good introduction to the art form for readers ready to question the obvious dissonance between words and pictures; the final scene, in which Gerald play-acts at being a house cat, is a particularly satisfying inversion that should open up lots of conversations about similar pretenders in readers’ own environments. Humans depicted have pale skin.

Highly recommended for any home, school, or public library.