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You, be you...

Updated: Apr 2

There has never been a time, where it has felt so critical to convey to our children the importance of individuality and being true to yourself. In a world where social media is telling young kids what to wear, where to go, who to be, it has become increasingly difficult for these precious shapable minds to stick true to who they are. Similarly, there are outdated societal norms that need to be challenged; for instance - boys need to be rough and tough, girls only play with girls, you can only be a leader if you are loud and domineering etc. Our role as parents and guardians of these beloved little humans is to guide them in their thinking and reinforce their self worth.


This remarkable tale, by Ed Vere, "How To Be A Lion", weaves these timely messages into a story about a Lion name Leonard, and his unlikely friendship with a duck called Marianne, who helps him stand up to bullies and resist the pressures of conformity.


The book introduces the reader to Leonard, a lion, who belies the stereotype that all lions are fierce, and chomp anything in sight. He is a gentle, daydreaming lion, who likes to hum tunes and write poetry. Moreover, he befriends a little duck called Marianne, who shares his love of thinking, chatting and poems, with no intention of eating him for dinner. When confronted by a pack of aggressive lions demanding to know why Leonard isn't fierce and why he hasn't chomped the duck, Leonard and Marianne retreat to their thinking hill to mull over his predicament. Together they return to face the bullies, and Leonard delivers a heart-warming and thought-provoking poem promoting individuality, friendship and kindness.


Title: How to be a Lion

Author & Illustrator: Ed Vere


What's to love about this book:

  • The use of thinking and words to change mindsets and build bridges.

  • The author uses a traditionally fierce and powerful character, i.e. a lion, to demonstrate that everyone is different and not all lions fit that mould.

  • We can all relate to how difficult it can be to oppose traditional thought but Leonard is exemplary in the way he stands up to his peers and advocates for what he believes in.

  • Leonard is able to change the way people think without being threatening or resorting to violence - instead, he carefully thought about what he wanted to say and then communicated in considered, gentle manner.

  • The prose is clear and simple for young readers.

  • The illustrations are quirky little sketches. Warm hues, reminiscent of the plains in Africa, are used to depict the budding friendship between Marianne and Leonard, with dark hues introduced when feelings of disappointment and sadness are brought to the fore.


Favourite quote:

"Let nobody say just one way is true. There are so many ways that you can be you."


Messages:

  • Strength is not characterised by force and aggression, but rather by standing up for what you believe in and by staying true to your values and principles.

  • You don't have to conform to stereotypes, be persuaded by peer pressure, or abide by social norms - stay true to yourself and let your light shine!

  • Empathy, kindness, and loyalty are values that are more powerful than brute force and bullying.

  • Boys can be gentle, caring and sensitive - the notion that they have to rough and tough is outdated and flawed. Likewise, girls and boys can have meaningful friendships without gender being an issue.

  • We need to have the self-belief and courage to accept and respect each other's differences.

  • Friendships can be found in the most unlikeliest of characters.


As Tim Warnes so eloquently writes "One of the greatest gifts we can give children is the confidence to stand up for what they believe in and the courage to think for themselves."


If this little gem of a book speaks to you, here is a link to buy it:


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