King Lion
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
A delightful, funny story about making friends and learning to communicate from award-winning and bestselling author–illustrator, Emma Yarlett.
The lion is King and everyone in his kingdom is happy. Everyone, that is, except King Lion himself. The king feels lonely and decides he needs a friend. He tries everything: roaring “hello”, waving his paws, flashing a smile and even cracking a joke. But everyone just runs away. Then, feeling lonelier than ever, the king climbs up the tallest tower in his kingdom and roars and roars and ROARS! Now no one in the kingdom is happy. Until a little girl sees the king and comes up with a very brave plan to help him. A joyful, touching and vibrantly illustrated story.
Creators
Emma Yarlett graduated from University College Falmouth in 2011. She is the creator of Nibbles the Book Monster, Orion and the Dark and Sidney, Stella and the Moon. She is also the author–illustrator of the immensely popular series of interactive novelty books, which includes Dragon Post, Beast Feast and Santa Post. Each book contains envelopes to open and letters to read. She has also created animation artwork for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and she is the winner of the English Association Picture Book Prize.
Reviews
A beautifully written and illustrated story about finding friendship in unlikely places and giving everyone a chance – despite their sometimes-grumpy exterior demeanor… The hand lettered text is a lovely touch and the colours and illustrations add to the storytelling beautifully. This is sure to be a book that reveals itself a little more each time it’s read.
Children's Book of the Week, PA Media, Syndicated via NewsChain
Loneliness and being misunderstood are common subjects for children’s books… This book takes a clever approach to tackling that emotional anxiety… Yarlett leaves young readers with enlightening ideas about judging strangers and making friends.
The Big Issue
Vibrant illustrations highlight the gap between King Lion’s intentions and how he is perceived, creating a joyous story on the importance of understanding.
Irish Examiner
This warm and colourful book reminds us to reach out to people who might be in need, even if they have frightening voices and fearsome paws.
The Bookseller
Emma Yarlett’s punchy artwork sings with colour, and thoughtful layouts encourage emotional involvement and speedy page turns. Rhythmically balanced and with just enough ‘exciting words’ to stimulate rather than overwhelm young audiences, Emma’s text makes its points economically and effectively, and is a pleasure to read aloud… This heartening and reassuring book fosters a strong sense of wellbeing, and adults looking for ways to promote constructive discussions with young children about loneliness and friendship will be well pleased… King Lion delivers its message at the heart of an involving and well-written story, brought to life with stunning images that ensure that message is felt and remembered, as well as heard.
Books for Keeps
