THE HAPPIEST LION CUB

Must a lion prince abandon his love of music to fulfill his destiny?

The cub scandalizes the other animals—not to mention his father—with his musical ambitions. After all, “a REAL lion ought to hunt. And also roar LOUDLY and EXPRESSIVELY!” The lion’s father shoots down his son’s dreams, compiling a list of what a “real” lion should do (in addition to being “honest,” “brave,” and “serious,” real lions “maintain a regal silence” and “observe carefully”). The cub, dejected, walks off in the rain, playing his instrument (“Oh, how sad it is when no one UNDERSTANDS you”). A turning point comes when the lion’s music helps rescue a fox pup; lost in the underbrush, the fox hears the swells of music and rushes out. At last, the lion’s father realizes that his son can be both a musician and a great leader. Loosely drawn, light-infused images with a slightly retro feel show animals typical to the African savanna—an elephant, a zebra, a giraffe, and gazelles. The lions walk upright but are clearly identified by their orange coats and spiky manes. Both text and artwork are playful (the list of virtues that the father creates will induce giggles), bringing whimsy to a familiar story. While the message is evident, the story is choice-affirming rather than pedantic. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Positive, uplifting, and unique.