King Lion - by Emma Yarlett (Hardcover)

About the Book

"King Lion wants a friend. But the only way he knows how to make friends is to ROAR! Why do the townsfolk run away? Wild with lonliness, the king roars his sadness day and night until one day, a little girl hears him and knows exactly what to do"--

Book Synopsis

Why does everyone run away whenever this lonely beast roars "HELLO!" at them? A story about the art of making friends--and the bravery of one kind little girl.

King Lion wants a friend. But the only way he knows to communicate is to ROAR! Waving his paw, flashing a smile, and even cracking a joke don't help. How can he let the townsfolk know that he just wants some company? Wild with loneliness, the king climbs to the top of a tower and roars his fierce sadness day and night, until one day, a little girl hears him and thinks that perhaps she understands. With charming illustrations, Emma Yarlett's gently humorous take on how to make friends shows a little empathy goes a long way.

Review Quotes

Yarlett's satisfying story celebrates the awareness, compassion, and problem-solving ability of a child who is the equal of a king. Created using "hand-rendered mixed media," the illustrations beautifully express the characters' emotions. . . A rewarding read-aloud choice.
--Booklist

Yarlett's text and images flow seamlessly together and are full of visual humor that will make for an engaging second read. . . Vibrant pinks, golds, and teals are made up of layered, hand-rendered mixed media drawings and collage, adding depth to a simple story about how even the most important people can be lonely. The drawings joyfully burst off the page in a puppet-like dance--movement begging to be copied by wiggling bodies at storytime.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A charmer. The contrast between the miserable king whom we see in the opening pages and the happy one at the end is striking. Accompanied by hand-lettered text, the bold illustrations include several full-page depictions of King Lion searching for companionship. . . Sure to prompt reflection on what it means to be a friend.
--Kirkus Reviews

Promises to be an immediate hit with librarians, teachers and young readers everywhere. The prose lends itself well to a group read-aloud, giving plenty of opportunities to roar and expose those fearsome claws and jaws. This picture book would also provide a more intimate bedtime reading experience. . . . The illustrations are lively, colorful and provide many Easter eggs throughout the story that compel the reader to stop and pore over the background. . . . King Lion is a heartwarming story for the awfully fearsome and misunderstood creatures everywhere.
--Bookpage

About the Author

Emma Yarlett 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 a popular series of novelty books that includes Dragon Post, Beast Feast, and Santa Post, and her work has been nominated twice for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Emma Yarlett lives in England with her family.